FACE coverings will be required in more locations across England under new Government rules that come into force on Saturday.

Coverings are already mandatory in shops, shopping centres and banks, as well as on public transport and at indoor bus or rail stations.

But from August 8, face coverings will be required in a whole host of other indoor settings.

Where will I need to wear a face covering?

From Saturday, face coverings will be mandatory in:

  • funeral directors
  • premises providing professional, legal or financial services
  • cinemas
  • theatres
  • bingo halls
  • concert halls
  • museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites
  • nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers – other than where necessary to remove for treatments
  • massage centres
  • public areas in hotels and hostels
  • place of worship
  • libraries and public reading rooms
  • community centres
  • social clubs
  • tattoo and piercing parlours
  • indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities e.g. laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc)
  • storage and distribution facilities
  • veterinary services
  • auction houses

This is in addition to the existing places where coverings are mandatory:

  • public transport
  • indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
  • shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
  • indoor shopping centres
  • banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)

Face coverings should also be worn in NHS buildings.

Does everyone have to wear them?

While most people need to wear face coverings, there are a number of people who are exempt from the rule.

According to the Government guidelines, you do not need to wear a face covering for the following legitimate reasons:

  • 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
  • to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
  • to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
  • to eat or drink, but only if you need to
  • to take medication
  • if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

You can also be permitted to remove a face covering if asked for age identification or if speaking to someone who relies on lip reading for communication.

Face coverings can also be removed to eat or drink in cafes, bars and restaurants.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own