Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets is to be made mandatory in England in a fresh move to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Government has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will say anyone failing to comply with the order – which comes into force on July 24 – could face a fine of up to £100.
It is also law that you have to wear a face covering on public transport and in hospitals in England - or face a £100 fine.
There are different rules for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
But not everyone will have to wear a mask - the Government has already said coverings won't be compulsory for those who work in shops.
And in line with the rules on buses, trains and hospitals some people will be exempt, WalesOnline reports.
According to keepsafe.org.uk you are exempt if
You have a disability that means you cannot put a mask on.
You have a disability that means you cannot wear or remove a mask.
Putting on a face mask would cause you severe distress.
You use lip reading to communicate, the person supporting you does not have to wear a mask.
You are using public transport to escape danger.
The Government guidance reads:
The requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to:
- a child under the age of 11
- a constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty
- an emergency responder such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
- an official, for example a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties
You also do not need to wear a face covering if you have a good reason not to, with the Government detailing "reasonable excuses" for not wearing a mask.
This includes:
- if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
- if you are with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- if you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
- if you need to remove it to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
- if you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
- if you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard
