The wearing of facemasks – The situation in the United Kingdom
From the 15th of June it is mandatory for anyone (except young children or those with medical conditions like asthma) travelling by public transport in England to wear a face covering. A face covering can be made of any material and it can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head as long as it covers your mouth and nose.
Similarly, all visitors or outpatients entering a hospital must wear a face covering. All staff must wear a surgical facemask at all times. All staff within a GP surgery will have to wear a face mask and many are encouraging all presenting patients to wear some sort of face covering.
The Scottish Government currently recommends the wearing of facial coverings when you leave the house and enter enclosed spaces (especially in small enclosed spaces where a 2m distance cannot be observed). From Monday 21 June, face coverings will be mandatory on all public transport including buses, trains, the Glasgow Subway, Edinburgh trams, aircraft and enclosed areas on board ferries. A decision on whether face coverings will be mandatory in shops will be made by 29 June (the date when non-essential shops are due to open in Scotland).
The Welsh Government recommends that where it might be difficult to stay 2m away from others, they are advising the use of three-layer, non-medical face coverings. It states that the most effective way to protect yourself and others is to follow social distancing rules, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and wash your hands regularly.
The Northern Ireland Government also only recommends the use of a face-covering in enclosed spaces where a 2m distance cannot be observed.
- The advice for England can be found here.
- The advice for Scotland can be found here.
- The advice for Wales can be found here.
- The advice for Northern Ireland can be found here.
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