Mask guidance: ‘Please wear one to save lives’
AS face coverings become mandatory in shops and on public transport Cheshire East Council has issued guidance on the issue.
From Friday, July 24, people had to wear coverings in most enclosed spaces as they are believed to stop the spread of droplets from coughs, sneezing and speaking and therefore Covid itself.
The council is asking people to wear face coverings inside its premises, for example libraries, as well as to adhere to social distancing.
It has also offered advice saying the mouth and nose should be covered, the item should be secured with ties or ear loops, include at least two layers of fabric and made from comfortable, breathable material.
There are exceptions from wearing face coverings - children aged under 11, people with breathing difficulties and those with disabilities.
Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s important to follow government guidance on wearing face coverings to protect one another and to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Before putting a face covering on (and taking it off ) you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser. Avoid touching the part of the covering that covers your mouth and nose, do not move it and wear it on your neck or forehead and change it if it becomes damp.
“Wearing a face covering will not protect the wearer but will provide some protection to others the wearer comes into contact with. It does not replace the need to social distance – this must still be adhered to as well as regular hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes.”
Single-use face coverings must be disposed of in a waste bin. Do not put them in your recycling bin, as this would put council waste staff at risk when the items need to be separated.
Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane has also urged people to do their bit. There can be a fine of up to £100 for those who do not adhere to the rules.
He said: “I would urge everyone to act responsibly and help to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.”