COVID UP
Face mask rules: New laws in the UK explained
BORIS Johnson toughened up the rules and doubled the fine for failing to wear a face mask to £200 on September 22.
Wearing a face mask was made mandatory for staff in pubs, restaurants and shops along with anyone getting a cab - in rules which will come in on Thursday 24 September.
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What are the new rules for face coverings?
Face masks are compulsory in:
- Public transport (trains, buses, trams, planes) since Monday, June 15
- Hospitals (staff, visitors and outpatients are all required to wear masks)
- Shops and takeaways, if ordering from the counter, from July 24
- Places where people are likely to come into contact with people they do not know, eg. museums, places of worship and cinemas, from August 8
- Staff in pubs, restaurants and bars along with anyone getting a cab from September 24
- Customers in pubs will have to cover up from September 24 but can take them off to eat or drink
On September 22, the PM said: "We have reached a perilous turning point
"The latest figures (of new cases) have almost quadrupled.
"Transmission is high or rising exponentially. This is the moment where we must act."
Mr Johnson continued: ";We will extend the requirement to wear face masks for all people who work in retail, taxis and all private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality.
"Except where seated to eat or drink."
Face masks are already compulsory for anyone going into shops, supermarkets, using public transport and leisure venues including cinemas.
Many pubs and restaurants have already given their staff face masks to wear while others have just put screens over the bar to try and stop the spread of Covid.
Where are face masks NOT compulsory?
Face masks are always recommended in crowded spaces but are on the whole not compulsory in outdoor spaces.
This includes when walking down the street and sitting in the park.
You also will not need to wear a face mask in a coffee shop or hospitality shop like McDonald's if you are eating in and receiving table service - but you must go straight to the table and not the counter for this.
What are the face covering rules on public transport?
While face masks are compulsory on public transport, the rules do not cover bus stops, railway stations and other terminals. It is encouraged by station staff, though.
Anyone not wearing a mask will be kicked off unless they are exempt.
You must also wear them in private hire taxis.
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Will I be fined for not wearing a face mask?
Yes. People caught not wearing a mask in shops could be fined £200.
Enforcement will be carried out by police and not retail staff.
Who doesn't have to wear a face covering?
Official Government guidance exempts the following groups:
- A child under the age of 11
- An employee of the transport operator, when they are working
- A person with breathing difficulties
- Anyone travelling with someone who relies on lip reading
- People with disabilities
- Any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator
- 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
- If you are allocated a cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, at any time when you are in that accommodation, either alone, or only with members of your own household or a linked household
- If you are on board public transport but remain in your private vehicle, for example on a car ferry
How to make a homemade mask
If you're unable to get your hands on a mask you can make your own at home.
Homemade masks won't offer the same level of protection as medical-grade ones, but it hasn't stopped DIY tutorials popping up online.
One of the simplest ones involves using two layers of kitchen roll and one tissue cut in half.
You then cover each end with masking tape - and you can even tape down some wire to stiffen the mask, if you have any.
Finish by punching holes in each end and threading elastic through to fit around your ears.
If you don't have elastic bands you could also use a hair tie.
Where can I buy face masks and how can I make my own?
High demand means a lot of retailers have already sold out, but there are some shops with stock, if you're not making your own.
Just make sure to check delivery times beforehand as your order may be delayed due to the coronavirus.
Fabric face coverings
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