Face coverings: Everything you need to know about new masks rules
14 July 2020, 05:36
Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets is to be made mandatory in England in a fresh move to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Government has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will say anyone failing to comply with the order - which comes into force on July 24 - could face a fine of up to £100.
But many people are asking why the decision has been made now, and how will wearing face coverings in shops impact on your daily life?
Here's everything we know so far about the new rules.
When does the law come into force?
As of July 24, you must have your nose and mouth covered when you go shopping or risk a £100 fine - reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.
It will be up to police to dish out penalties and not business owners or shop workers, although they are being asked to encourage customers to comply.
The regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
How to make your own face mask
Why are we being told to wear face coverings almost four months after we went into lockdown?
The Government has been reluctant to enforce the wearing of face coverings, and its guidance states they do not protect the wearer but may protect others if people are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.
Some of the Government's most senior advisers have warned that face coverings can give people a false sense of security and lead to over-reliance on "ineffective homemade masks" rather than thorough hand hygiene.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) says incorrect use of coverings - such as putting them on incorrectly, touching the face more than normal and reusing dirty ones - could increase the spread of infection.
Blackburn residents say 'everyone should be wearing masks'
What can I use as a face covering?
Face coverings are not the same as face masks. The Government has said coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, as long as they cover the mouth and nose.
Take inspiration from Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard, who have both been sporting very rock and roll bandanas over the past week as they face off on opposite sides of a libel battle in London's
High Court.
Dozens of YouTube tutorials will talk you through fashioning your own, while official advice says face coverings should allow the wearer to breathe comfortably and be tied behind the head to provide a "snug fit".
Face coverings to be made mandatory on public transport in England
What about surgical face masks and visors?
The public have been asked not to use medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) masks to ensure these remain available for frontline healthcare workers.
- Does everyone have to wear a face covering in public in England now?
There are a few exceptions to the new rules about face coverings in shops - children under 11 and people with certain disabilities and breathing conditions will be exempt.
It adds to the list of places we have to be covered up which currently includes all public transport as well as all hospital visitors and outpatients in England.
Official guidance says people in England should also wear a face-covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Johnson: Brits should wear face coverings in confined spaces.
What are the rules for the rest of the UK?
Scotland was ahead of England on face coverings, making them compulsory in shops from July 10 and on public transport from June 22.
Northern Ireland made face coverings mandatory on public transport on July 10, but has yet to make a final decision on shops.
Face coverings are advised in Wales in situations "where social distancing is not possible", and on Monday the Welsh Government announced they would be obligatory on public transport from July 27.
Unlike the UK Government and other devolved administrations, Wales has specified any face covering should be made up of three layers of cloth to meet the standard set by regulations.
If I develop Covid-19 symptoms, can I still go out if I wear a mask or covering?
No. People with symptoms and their household should isolate at home.
Government now advises wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces
What has the World Health Organisation said?
The WHO also advises a three-layer face-covering in the community - the outer layer should be water-resistant, the inner should be water absorbent and the mid-layer acts as a filter.
It emphasises that a mask alone cannot protect you from Covid-19 and that it must be combined with social distancing of at least a metre and regular hand washing.
