Government mask guidance from Friday 24th (for use in shops, supermarkets and public transport/hubs)

I've been fielding enquiries this week from constituents who have been worried about the measures that come into effect from midnight (tonight) regarding wearing masks in shops, supermarkets and on public transport.

I thought it might be helpful to publish some of this information here on my website:

The current Government Guidance states that the requirement to wear a face-covering does not apply to:

· a child under the age of 11

· passengers in an allocated cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, when they are alone or with members of their household or support bubble

· passengers who remain in their private vehicle while on board public transport, for example on a car ferry

· an employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment

· any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator, who is providing those services

· a constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty

· an emergency responder such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty

· an official, for example a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties

You also do not need to wear a face covering if you have a good reason not to. This includes:

· if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering

· if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress

· if you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate

· if you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you

· if you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others

· if you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering

· if you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard

To read the full guidance please follow: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings

The broader Face Covering guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/face-coverings-to-be-mandatory-in-shops-and-supermarkets-from-24-july