What are the latest rules on face masks in the UK?

The rules and guidelines are rapidly changing as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. We take a look at the latest rules on face masks and coverings in each of the four nations of the UK.

England

In England it is now compulsory to wear face coverings on public transport and as hospital staff, an outpatient or a visitor to a hospital.

Public transport

If you are travelling by bus, train, ferry or plane in England you must now wear a face covering, as of 15th June. For the first few days, face coverings will be handed out to those who have forgotten theirs but you should try to bring your own.

You don't need to wear a face covering whilst waiting for public transport but train stations are asking people to wear them as they enter the station.

You may be refused travel if you do not wear a face covering on board public transport. As a last resort, you may be fined up to £100 for not wearing a covering.

Some people are exempt from the new rules on face coverings including:

• Children under 11 years old.

• People unable to put on, wear or take off a mask due to a disability.

• People with breathing difficulties.

• Those travelling with someone who relies on lip reading.

In circumstances where it is really necessary to eat or drink on public transport, you will be able to lower your mask to do so.

The rules don't apply to some types of public transport including cruise ships, school transport, taxis and private hire vehicles. However, you should check the rules with whichever company you are travelling with as some, such as Uber, are enforcing their own rules on face coverings.

The government expects that the number of people travelling on public transport will increase in the coming days and months as more workplaces and shops start to reopen. However, they still encourage people to avoid public transport as much as possible and only use it for essential journeys, to make it easier to socially distance and stay safe on board. Those who can continue to work from home should do so.

Hospitals

As well as public transport, it is now compulsory to wear a face covering when visiting a hospital or attending as an outpatient. Hospitals already have extensive measures in place to reduce the risk to both patients and staff - wearing a face covering is an additional measure to reduce the risk from coronavirus.

Again, the same groups are exempt, including children and people with disabilities.

Scotland

Several weeks ago, Scotland started advising members of the public to start wearing face coverings in indoor places where social distancing would not be possible. This includes small shops and public transport, for example. Children under two years old have been exempt from this guidance.

Whilst the Scottish Government strongly encouraged people to start covering their faces in enclosed public spaces, they did not make it compulsory. The advice has not yet changed but Scotland is considering making it mandatory in certain situations.

Wales

The guidance in Wales is in line with the latest advice from the World Health Organization. As in Scotland, wearing a face covering is not compulsory but people in Wales are strongly encouraged to wear one on public transport and in other settings where social distancing is difficult such as crowded shops.

As with all face mask advice, the Welsh Government clearly states that wearing a face mask should not be seen as a replacement or alternative to social distancing and hand washing.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has similar rules which have not changed since the beginning of May. Wearing face coverings has not yet been made mandatory but it is recommended for short periods in places where social distancing is impossible, including public transport and retail environments.

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What kind of mask should I wear?

In all of the above scenarios, authorities are keen to stress that they are recommending the use of face coverings and not necessarily masks. This includes homemade 3-layer fabric masks, T-shirts and other homemade face coverings. Surgical masks are to be reserved for key workers, including those working on the frontline in the NHS. Public Health England has created a guide to making and wearing your face covering.

It's important to remember that face masks are being recommended as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus from you to other people - wearing a mask does not protect you against coronavirus. This is why it's important to continue with social distancing and maintaining a two-metre distance between you and people you don't live with.

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If you choose to or are required to wear a face covering, you need to learn how to put it on, wear it and remove or dispose of it safely.