The latest rules on shops, weddings, work – and going to the pub

Q Why do you have to wear a face mask in shops in Scotland, but not in England? A Last week, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the use of face masks or coverings in shops would become mandatory from July 10. But in England, this is not the case – face masks are only mandatory on public transport.

The Scottish and English governments are both being advised by scientific experts, and have access to similar information about how much impact face masks could have on the spread of infection.

But ultimately decisions about new rules around Covid-19 fall to politicians.

Officials in England do, however, recommend masks are used whenever social distancing is not possible – for example, in confined spaces.

A cloth face covering, either a reusable one that you can buy online, or one fashioned out of a scarf or old T-shirt, will stop you passing the virus to others if you are unknowingly infected.

So while it isn’t yet mandatory, it seems a good idea to wear one regardless. Q What are the rules for weddings and funerals? A In England, weddings and civil partnerships are now allowed in licensed venues, including places of worship.

You can invite a maximum of 30 people to the ceremony, so long as strict socialdistancing rules are observed.

Traditional wedding receptions, including wedding breakfasts, are not allowed.

The Government says couples can have what it calls a ‘wedding celebration’ in which a maximum of six people can gather outdoors, or two households can gather indoors.

Scotland has similar restrictions, stating that the number of attendees must be ‘minimal’.

In Wales, only the immediate family is allowed to attend and the ceremony must be in a place or worship or in a register office.

In Northern Ireland, eight people can attend, but ten are allowed if one partner is terminally ill.

As for funerals, there is currently no specific limit on the number of people attending in England.

However, the Government states that, as well as minimal funeral staff, only members of the person’s household and close family members should attend. If family and household members cannot attend, close friends can come. A celebrant of the bereaved family’s choice is also allowed.

In Scotland and Wales, funerals are by invitation only.

The venue will decide how many attendees it can hold while adhering to socialdistancing rules, and tell the bereaved family how many invitations to send out.

In Northern Ireland, a maximum of 30 mourners can attend. Q Is it safe for everyone to go back in to work? A Despite the easing of the lockdown, the Government advises that those who can work from home continue to do so. The closure of offices played an integral part in rapidly reducing the rate of transmission. Employers are required to carry out a risk assessment for employees to determine if it is viable for them to return to work safely, with social-distancing measures in place. This should be discussed by both parties before a decision is made.

The Government has issued specific guidance to businesses for protecting the workforce, which they are expected to adhere to. Anyone who is concerned that their employer is not promoting social distancing can report them to the Government’s Health and Safety Executive by visiting hse.gov.uk. Q Is there a risk of ‘superspreading’ now that pubs are open again? A Around the world, certain gatherings of people, such as birthday parties, have led to a significant number of Covid19 infections. In some instances, just a single infected person has transmitted the virus to dozens of others at these so-called ‘superspreading’ events.

The Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, warned on Friday that pubs are environments where ‘superspreading’ of the virus is more likely to occur.

Evidence shows coronavirus is transmitted more easily indoors, and when people are in close proximity. This makes a crowded pub an ideal place for the virus to spread.

Pubs are being told to collect contact details of customers. This is so that they can be easily contacted by the NHS test and trace service if, at a later date, they are thought to have come into contact with someone in the pub who has tested positive for Covid-19.

It is hoped this measure will prevent any local outbreaks of the virus.