Face Masks – Who Has to Wear One?

Face masks and coverings play an important role of controlling the spread of coronavirus, especially in enclosed spaces and although wearing one protects other people more than ourselves, evidence shows that when everyone wears them it does reduce the spread of coronavirus.

They aid  by catching small droplets that leave your mouth whenever you cough, sneeze or talk. This is especially important as you may have the virus and not be aware of it and spread it to others without having any symptoms. Face masks don’t necessarily prevent the person wearing the mask from catching the virus – they are most effective for preventing the spread to others.

Frequent thorough hand washing and following social distancing guidelines is still of utmost importance even though you wear a face mask , and it’s still important to self-isolate if you have coronavirus symptoms.

They are compulsory for hospital and GP appointments throughout the UK, and on public transport in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as in shops in England and Scotland.

Who is Exempt from Wearing Face Masks?

This includes (but is not limited to):

• children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• employees of indoor settings
• police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
• where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others – including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity

There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering:

• if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
• if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (e.g. by a pharmacist), or for age identification purposes including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
• if required in order to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a haircut
• in order to take medication
• if you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place or worship
• if you are the persons getting married in a relevant place
• if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so

Face coverings are not required in restaurants with table service, bars, and pubs. If removing your face covering to eat or drink in an indoor premises with a café or designated seating area, then you can remove your face covering in this area only.

Do I Need to Prove I am Exempt?

It is not necessary carry anything to prove that you don’t need to wear a face mask, but if you wish to, the UK government has cards you can print or display on your smartphone.

How do I Wear a Face Mask?

WHO guidelines advise that you:

• Clean your hands before putting it on
• Check the mask, don’t use it if it’s dirty or wet
• Cover your mouth, nose and chin
• Make sure the mask fits your face, leaving no gaps at the sides
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it
• Clean your hands before taking it off
• Take it off by the straps and don’t touch the front of the mask
• Wash your fabric mask in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day (if you’ve worn it that day)
• Once it’s clean and dry, store it in a sealable clean bag
• Don’t share your mask with other people or use theirs

How to Make Your Own Face Mask

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