Rules on face coverings have been updated in England
The public and staff in public facing areas will be required to wear face coverings in these settings from today (Tuesday 30th November 2021) :
- shops and supermarkets (places that offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
- shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
- auction houses
- post offices, banks, building societies, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
- estate and letting agents
- premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (barbers, hair salons, tattoo and piercing studios, nail salons and massage centres)
- pharmacies
- premises providing veterinary services
- retail galleries
- retail travel agents
- takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises
- public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams, buses, coaches and ferries), taxis and private hire vehicles
- transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
- any car or small van during a professionally delivered driving lesson and practical driving test
- during all HGV lessons and tests, during all professional driving lessons and formal driving tests, and during any practical test for giving driving instruction
A face covering is something that firmly covers the nose and mouth in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Face covers come in a variety of styles.
Cloth and disposable face coverings that are constructed with numerous layers (at least 2) and provide a good fit around the face function best.
Cotton is a good choice for face covers since it is both pleasant and breathable.
Bandanas or religious robes can be worn, however they are less effective if they don’t fit snugly around the face.
Face masks are not considered PPE (personal protective equipment), which is used in a restricted number of contexts to protect wearers from hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators in medical and industrial settings.
Wearing a face mask helps lower the chance of infection spreading to others and yourself.