New face mask rules came into place on Tuesday due to concerns about the Omicron Covid variant.
Although there are only 14 confirmed cases of this new strain in the UK so far, this number is expected to rise in the upcoming days.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that rules around mask-wearing have been brought back to “buy time” for scientists to understand the new variant. These “temporary and precautionary” measures will be reviewed in three weeks.
This does not mean people have to cover their noses and mouths in all public settings though – so where do you now have to wear a mask?
Where you must wear a mask:
Retail areas:
Shopping centres
Galleries
Post offices
Banks
Building societies
High street solicitors and accountants
Auction houses and retail galleries
Savings clubs and money service businesses
Estate agents
Personal care and beauty premises
Pharmacies
Vets
Short-term loan providers
Credit unions
Shops and supermarkets
Food and drink takeaways
Public transport:
Airplanes
Trains
Trams
Buses
Coaches
Taxis
Private hire vehicles
Transport hubs
Driving lessons and tests, including for HGV drivers
Pupils in year 7 and above, plus all staff members, are being “strongly advised” to wear face masks in communal areas outside the classroom in schools, but this is not yet mandatory.
Places where masks are not mandatory:
Restaurants
Pubs
Bars
Theatres
Cinemas
Hospitality venues
Although masks aren’t legally required in the latter settings, we know that wearing a face mask is the single biggest thing you can do to stop the spread of coronavirus, so you might want to consider masking up regardless. If you refuse to wear a mask in a mandatory setting, you risk a fine of up to £200.
Of course, some people are exempt from wearing masks, including children under the age of 11, those who cannot put on, wear or remove a covering because of physical or mental illness or impairment or disability, and those for whom it will cause severe distress.
People who rely on lip reading or facial expressions to communicate are also exempt, as well as police officers and other emergency workers.
