Compulsory Face Masks in England

Wearing a face masks helps to contain COVID-19 and reduces the chance of infection and transferring the virus to other people. Whilst wearing a mask, you still must ensure you maintain social distancing when possible. You must ensure you follow good hygiene procedure.

In England, from today (24/07/2020) you now must wear a face covering in the following settings:

• public transport
• indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals)
• shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
• indoor shopping centres
• banks, building societies, and post offices

It is also strongly encouraged that everyone is to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult or where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

You are required to wear a face covering in any NHS settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries. Individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures.

The government suggests that in England you are exempt from face masks if:

• young children under the age of 11
• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate

It is very important that you ensure you put on and take off your face mask correctly, to ensure that is is sterile. Watch the video below to see the correct process!