Coronavirus: What are the rules for face masks or face coverings?

By Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online

Published: 4 hours ago

Why should we wear a face covering?

Face coverings reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.

They should mainly be worn to protect other people from coronavirus, rather than yourself.

When worn correctly, they should cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission.

They can help to reduce the spread of the virus from people who are contagious, including those who have no symptoms, or are yet to develop them.

There is also evidence they can offer some protection to the wearer, although they are not a replacement for social distancing and hand-washing.

Where must they be worn in the UK?

Face coverings are now compulsory across the UK when:

Travelling on public transport
In shops, supermarkets and shopping centres
Not seated at a table to eat or drink in hospitality venues

People can be refused travel for not following the rules or fined as a last resort. In England, the police can issue a £200 fine to someone breaking the face covering rules. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, a £60 fine can be imposed. Repeat offenders face bigger fines.

In England and Scotland, face coverings are also compulsory in a number of indoor spaces, including:

Banks, building societies and post offices
Places of worship
Museums, galleries and entertainment venues
Libraries and public reading rooms

Scotland also requires face coverings to be worn in indoor spaces, such as staff canteens and corridors in workplaces. It no longer requires couples to wear them when exchanging marriage vows.

In Wales, face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places by customers and staff.

In Northern Ireland, they must be worn in "any other indoor place where goods or services are available to buy or rent".

Does everyone have to wear one?

Some people do not have to wear a face covering. They include:

Children (under 11 in England or Wales, under 13 in Northern Ireland, under five in Scotland)
Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability
People for whom wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
Anyone assisting someone who relies on lip reading to communicate

You can remove your mask if:

You need to eat, drink, or take medication
A police officer or other official asks you to, or for shop staff to verify your age
You are entering a shop to avoid harm, if you do not have a mask on you

Young children should not wear face masks because of the risk of choking and suffocation.

image copyrightPA Media

What are the face-covering rules in schools?

The government does not recommend wearing face coverings in schools and colleges because of the controls already in place.

However, each nation is adopting different rules:

However, they will be mandatory for schools in parts of England that are under local restrictions, but not in classrooms.

media captionStop your glasses steaming up with a mask on

Can I make one myself?

The BBC has created a guide on how to make your own face covering.

The government has issued its own advice too.

Do face coverings work?

Face coverings do not give the wearer as much protection as the masks that healthcare workers wear.

World Health Organization (WHO) advice says non-medical face coverings should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible.

They help us protect each other and reduce the spread from people who are contagious but have no symptoms, or are yet to develop symptoms.