Face coverings are compulsory when using public transport and in a number of public settings.
Coronavirus usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.
The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.
But if you have a health condition or disability that makes wearing a face mask challenging, you can be exempt from wearing one.
There are six notable scenarios where you don't have to wear a covering.
If you have a health condition
People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability - do not have to wear one, reports the Mirror.
So if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or lung cancer, you have a reasonable excuse.
The website Autism Eye said the rules around 'reasonable excuses' also cover passengers with autism.
You will also not get in trouble if you to take a mask off to take medication.
Police officers and other emergency workers
Police officers and other emergency workers are exempt, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public.
This only applies when they are on duty, of course, and they can choose to wear one.
Paramedics, firefighters and border force officers are included in the exemption.
Children
As with public transport, children under 11 will not have to wear a face covering.
Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of three for health and safety reasons.
Also, young people asked to prove their age with a railcard or a form of ID can remove it to show their face to an official.
If you are with a person who has impaired hearing
The Government states you are exempt if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate.
In this situation, it is of course vital that the person you are travelling with can see your face.
If you are at risk of harm or to avoid harming others
The Government states you have a reasonable excuse to not wear a mask if it is to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others.
This includes if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity.
Severe distress
Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress, you are exempt.
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering:
- if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
- if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (for example by a pharmacist), or for age identification purposes including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
- if required in order to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a facial
- in order to take medication
- if you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place or worship
- if you are the persons getting married in a relevant place
- if you are aged 11 to 18 attending a faith school and having lessons in a place of worship as part of your core curriculum
- if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so
- if you are an elite sports person, professional dancer or referee acting in the course of your employment
- when seated to eat or drink in a hospitality premise such as a pub, bar, restaurant or cafe. You must put a face covering back on once you finish eating or drinking
