In News

Face coverings have become mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces, including public transport in the UK, but there are a number of exemptions and different rules depending on where you are.

In England, the government guidance states that: “In settings where face coverings are mandated in England there are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, whereby people are not expected to wear face coverings in these settings.

“Please be mindful and respectful of search circumstances nothing that some people are less able to wear face coverings.”

In Scotland, their guidance says: “You may have a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering if, for example, you have a health condition or are disabled and a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause difficulty, pain or severe distress or anxiety or because you cannot apply a covering and wear it in the proper manner safely and consistently.

“Individual discretion should be applied in considering the use of face coverings for other children including, for example, children with breathing difficulties and disabled children who would struggle to wear a face covering.”

Across the UK, you do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

  • Young children under the age of 11
  • Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • If you are 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 and you do not have a face covering with you
  • To eat or drink
  • To take medication
  • If a police officer or other official asks you to remove it

If you have a disability and are concerned about being approached for not wearing a mask, you can produce a Hidden Disabilities exemption card, which will indicate that you have a legitimate reason to not be wearing a face covering.

On their website, Hidden Disabilities said: “Businesses who are members of the scheme are aware of our card and provide support, help, assistance or simply a little more time to those wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. However, please note that shops and public transport can still refuse you entry.”

You can pick up the exemption cards for 55p from the Hidden Disabilities website.

Related