Coronavirus: When can we stop wearing face masks or coverings?
By Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online
- Published
Two government ministers have said they plan to stop wearing a face covering when the law is changed.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he expects to stop wearing a mask "as soon as possible" after it is no longer legally required.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said that could be at the next stage of lockdown-easing in England and he would not wear one after that point.
What are the reviews into face masks and other measures?
Reviews are being carried out into how and when Covid measures, including face coverings, might be lifted.
The Social Distancing Review is one of four different UK Government studies into how Covid-19 should be handled from "summer onwards".
The use of masks will also be considered by the other three reviews into:
The government in Westminster is working with those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on a UK-wide approach.
When will we know the findings?
Each review will inform ministers deciding when England's final stage of lifting lockdown can happen.
It had been hoped remaining restrictions could be removed on 21 June, but the government has now confirmed these will largely remain in place until 19 July - because of the Delta variant.
Are face-covering rules likely to remain?
We won't know for sure until ministers assess the reviews, but it's thought face-coverings might still be needed in some circumstances - particularly during winter.
Some people may opt to wear them, even if they are not compulsory.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped they would become the norm on public transport as a matter of "personal responsibility".
Why should I wear a mask?
Face coverings - when worn over the nose and mouth - reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.
The main purpose is to protect other people from Covid, rather than yourself. If everyone wears one, risks drop for all.
Masks can help to reduce spread of the virus from people who are contagious but have no symptoms.
There is also evidence they can offer some protection to wearers, but are not a replacement for social distancing and hand-washing.
Cutting virus transmission is important because it is still circulating and many people are not yet vaccinated.
Also, some new variants of the virus appear to be more transmissible than earlier Covid strains.
Where do I need to wear one?
You could be fined if you refuse to wear a face covering in many public places in England - including public transport and shops.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have similar rules.
Secondary school pupils in England are no longer required to wear face coverings. However, individual schools may still insist pupils continue to do so.
In England and Northern Ireland police can issue £200 fines. In Scotland and Wales, £60 fines can be imposed.
Repeat offenders face bigger fines.
Face covering, mask or both?
- Choose a mask/face covering with a nose wire
- Check it fits snugly over mouth, nose and chin
- Make sure it has at least a couple of layers
- Tie knots in the ear loops of surgical masks to make a better fit
The highest level of protection is provided by FFP3 (or similar) masks worn by healthcare workers in high risk settings to safely do their job.
Cloth face coverings do not give wearers as much protection.
Who is exempt from wearing them?
Some people do not have to wear a face covering, including:
- Children (under 11 in England and Wales, under 13 in Northern Ireland, under five in Scotland)
- Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical/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
Can I make one?
The BBC has created a guide on how to make your own face covering.
The government has issued advice too.