The government are encouraging people to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops or public transport.
The new advice is laid out in the government's 51 page road-map document entitled "our plan to rebuild" to get out of coronavirus lockdown.
In the document there is a special section on face coverings, asking people to wear them as more people return to work and public spaces get busier.
The document said: "As more people return to work, there will be more movement outside people's immediate household.
"This increased mobility means the Government is now advising that people should aim to wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops."
The face masks can be homemade cloth coverings but this will not protect the wearer but will protect others.
The document continued: "Face-coverings are not intended to help the wearer, but to protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have it asymptomatically.
"The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not developed symptoms.
"If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough and/or high temperature) you and your household should isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this.
"A face covering is not the same as a facemask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers.
"These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it.
"It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.
Children under two should not wear masks, nor should those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, for example primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.
