Face masks What are the latest rules and who is exempt from them?
WE should all be wearing face masks – especially when indoors, in shops and pubs – and there are now tougher fines for people flouting coronavirus restrictions, as a second wave of the pandemic begins.
The latest restrictions announced by the Government make them compulsory in taxis and all hospitality venues, unless you are sitting at a table to eat.
Staff in pubs, restaurants and shops are no longer exempt either.
So what exactly are the rules on face coverings, and what are the six exemptions that mean some people don’t have to wear one if they don’t feel they can?
Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport since June 15, and in stores, supermarkets, takeaways and cinemas since July 24.
The new rules make them compulsory in taxis and at all hospitality venues, and fines will double now to £200, with each repeat offence doubling again – up to a maximum of £6,400 if you get caught a sixth time.
But there are some people who are exempt:
If you have a health condition
People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability – do not have to wear one.
So if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or lung cancer, you have a reasonable excuse.
The website Autism Eye said the rules around ‘reasonable excuses’ also cover passengers with autism.
You will also not get in trouble if you to take a mask off to take medication.
Emergency workers
» Police officers and other emergency workers are exempt, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public.
This only applies when they are on duty, of course, and they can choose to wear one.
Paramedics, firefighters and border force officers are included in the exemption.
Children
» As with public transport, children under 11 will not have to wear a face covering.
Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of three for health and safety reasons.
Also, young people asked to prove their age with a railcard or a form of ID can remove it to show their face to an official.
If you are with a person who has impaired hearing
» The Government states you are exempt if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate.
In this situation, it is of course vital that the person you are travelling with can see your face.
If you are at risk of harm or to avoid harming others
» The Government states you have a reasonable excuse to not wear a mask if it is to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others.
This includes if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity.
Severe distress
» Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress, you are exempt.
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering temporarily:
if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (for example by a pharmacist), or for age identification purposes including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
» if required in order to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a facial
» in order to take medication
» if you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place or worship
if you are the persons getting married in a relevant place
if you are aged 11 to 18 attending a faith school and having lessons in a place of worship as part of your core curriculum
if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so
if you are an elite sports person, professional dancer or referee acting in the course of your employment
» when seated to eat or drink in a hospitality premise such as a pub, bar, restaurant or cafe. You must put a face covering back on once you finish eating or drinking.