Face mask exemptions: Valid reasons for NOT wearing a covering explained
ON NOVEMBER 30, it became mandatory to wear face masks on all public transport, Sajid Javid has announced.
What are the current mask rules and where will we still have to wear them after restrictions ease?
Who is exempt from wearing a face mask?
Despite mandatory mask measures across the UK, there are exceptions to those who need to wear them.
According to the official Government guidance, the following groups are not required to wear a face-covering while using public transport, in a shop, pub or restaurant:
- A child under the age of 11
- People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- An employee of the transport operator, or in any other indoor setting where appropriate when they are acting in the course of their employment
- Where a mask causes the wearer severe distress
- An emergency responder such as a police officer, paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
- Someone speaking to or helping anyone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- Someone acting to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others - including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
Where do you need to wear a face mask?
In England, you will have to wear a face mask when visiting indoor shops from November 30, 2021.
The measure had been in place for most of the pandemic, but was removed in July 2021.
It is also compulsory to wear a face mask on all public transport, such as trains, buses, and trams, as well as in private taxies.
Fines of £200 will be handed out to people in England who do not follow the rule, with the maximum fine being capped at £6,400.
Passengers on London's transport network had been told to continue wearing masks despite lifting restrictions in July, as decided by London Mayor, Sadiq Khan.
Face masks also have to be worn in hairdressers and nail salons in England.
Public places such as banks and post offices will also require anyone who enters to wear a face mask, unless they are exempt.
However, they will not be mandatory in hospitality settings like bars and restaurants or entertainment venues such as cinemas and theatres.
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Can I be fined for refusing to wear a face covering?
In England, police and Transport for London officers can fine people who aren't wearing a mask on public transport, in a transport hub or in a shop £200 for their first offence. This drops to £100 if paid within 14 days.
You could also be refused service, entry or the right to travel if a firm enforces a requirement to wear a face covering.
Companies decide their own health and safety measures and insisting on masks could be a reasonable rule, says Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.
If you took your mask off once inside a building or train, staff would also have the right to ask you to leave.
What is a face mask exemption card and how can you get one?
Those who are exempted from wearing a face mask could be asked to show a "face-covering exemption" ID of some sort: it is a personal choice, and is not necessary in law.
The government says that this could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
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The travel exemption card is available to download for free on the , and can be used with other operators.
Alternatively you can download and print .