Should I still wear a face mask or covering and what are the rules?

Wearing a mask will no longer be legally required in most places in England from 19 July.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says it will be a matter of "personal responsibility".

Nearly all remaining Covid restrictions in England will be removed on 19 July - subject to confirmation on 12 July.

The legal requirement to wear a face covering in shops, public transport and other enclosed public spaces will end.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi has said "an expectation" for people to wear masks in crowded spaces will remain.

And Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the Sunday Telegraph anyone who would not wear a mask in an enclosed space was "just being irresponsible".

However, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he would stop wearing a mask "as soon as possible" after the rules change.

Labour has said it is "irresponsible" to drop the legal requirement to wear masks.

England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said they will continue to wear face coverings:

The British Medical Association, which represents doctors is calling for the continued use of masks and new ventilation standards.

Businesses have been considering what they will do:

It is likely they could even refuse you service, or the right to travel.

Firms decide their own health and safety measures and insisting on a face covering could be a reasonable rule, says Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

If you took your mask off once inside a building or train, for example, staff would have the right to ask you to leave.

However, they would not be able to discriminate against protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

So, if you are currently exempt from wearing a mask, companies would probably have to continue to honour that exemption, says Mr Wagner.

In Wales, face coverings will still be mandatory on public transport and in health and social care settings.

But ministers are undecided if wearing masks will continue to be law in shops.

In Northern Ireland, rules in certain locations could be relaxed on 26 July, subject to approval on 22 July.

The Scottish government has said it may keep some basic measures, including wearing masks, at its next review in August.

Evidence suggests transmission predominantly happens in indoor spaces where people are in close proximity.

Face coverings worn over the nose and mouth reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.

The main purpose is to protect others from Covid, rather than yourself. If everyone wears one, the risks drop for all.

There is some evidence they offer protection to wearers, but are not a replacement for social distancing and hand-washing.

Masks can also help reduce virus spread from people who may be contagious but have no symptoms.

Cutting virus transmission is important because many people are still not yet fully vaccinated.

Also, some new virus variants appear more transmissible than earlier Covid strains.

Make sure it:

The highest level of protection is provided by FFP3 (or similar) masks worn by healthcare workers in high risk settings.

Trained staff need to fit them correctly. They are worn in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, eye protection).

A recent study by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found FFP3 masks provided up to 100% protection against Covid.

Staff wearing standard issue surgical masks, as recommended in official guidance for most situations, were much more likely to catch the virus.

Members of the public can buy FFP3 masks, but they won't provide the highest protection unless fitted correctly.