As new rules came in on Friday which mean that people must wear face coverings in England while out shopping or risk a fine of up to £100, there are some cases where people don't have to wear them.
The rules were brought in by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus as the nation eases lockdown rules which will see gyms reopen from tomorrow.
While people will have to wear face coverings in certain settings - such as shops, supermarkets, banks, takeaways, sandwich shops and post offices, there are a number of exceptions.
People who need to cover their face must comply or face a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if it's paid with 14 days.
Some supermarkets such as Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco said they will not be taking responsibility for enforcing the rules.
The Daily Star has compiled a full list of exceptions in England:
- young children under the age of 11
- people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- people who will be caused severe distress by putting on, wearing or removing a face covering
- people travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm
- to eat or drink if reasonably necessary
- to take medication
- if you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official
- if you are asked to remove a face covering in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
- if you are asked by shop staff or relevant employees to take a face covering off for identification, or by for example a pharmacist for the purpose of assessing health recommendations, or for age identification purposes including when buying age-restricted products such as alcohol
- if speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound to help with communication
The law also expires after a year unless the government scraps it beforehand.
