Face masks in England: The new rules on where and when to wear them
Face masks are now mandatory in enclosed public spaces in England, after new government rules came into effect on Friday, 24 July.
So when do you need to wear them, and in what settings?
In shops and supermarkets
Face masks are now compulsory if you are entering a shop or supermarket in England, at any time of day.
Failure to wear one could result in a £100 fine, which gets reduced to £50 if you pay within 14 days. However, only a police officer can issue a fine, not store workers.
Shop staff are not required to wear masks while working.
Some retailers are taking differing approaches to the new rules. Sainsbury’s has said it won’t challenge people who aren’t wearing face masks, while John Lewis has said it will “gently remind” customers to put one on.
While ordering takeaway
If you enter a restaurant, cafe or takeaway food outlet to order food to take home, you should be wearing a face mask.
These rules don’t extend to people who sit down to eat in a restaurant or to have a drink in a pub. But you should always be seated at a safe distance from other customers when enjoying a meal or a drink.
On public transport
From 15 June, it has been mandatory to wear a face mask when travelling on a bus, train, ferry or plane in England.
You also have to wear one when inside an indoor transport hub, such as airports, bus and coach stations, ports and terminals.
People can be fined for not wearing one, as well as refused entry.
Face masks are not required on school buses or taxis, but some companies such as Uber have their own mandates on wearing a mask to enter the vehicle.
Where do I not have to wear a mask?
The rules say that you don’t have to wear a face mask where it would be “impractical”.
This applies to those in gyms, restaurants and pubs, where exercising, eating or drinking makes wearing a mask more difficult.
However there are a number of places where wearing a face mask is considered optional. These include:
- Museums and galleries
- Hairdressers and beauty salons
- Cinemas and theatre venues
- Dentists and opticians
Who doesn’t have to wear a mask?
There are a number of people who are not required to wear a face mask. These include:
- Children under the age of 11
- Those who cannot put on a mask or wear one because of a disability
- Anyone assisting a person who uses lip reading to communicate
You can take your face mask off to:
- Eat or drink
- To take medication
- Verify your age or identity in a shop, or if a police officer asks you to
How to wear and remove your face mask correctly
If you need to take your face mask off, you should always remove it completely rather than pull it down below your chin. This helps to limit the spread of contamination.
