Uncovered Exemption for those with ‘severe distress’

Downing Street yesterday insisted it trusted the public to “do the right thing” when new face covering rules come into force, as it emerged that anyone at risk of “severe distress” will not have to comply.

According to official guidance published online, anyone whose mental state of mind is likely to be affected by wearing a mask will be exempt from having to comply with the rules in shops from July 24.

Other exemptions include children under the age of 11, those with a disability or a physical or mental illness, and anyone travelling with a deaf person who relies on lip reading.