IT’S July 24 tomorrow – and with it the compulsory wearing of face masks in shops. We asked readers to send us pictures of their face coverings – and photos came flooding in. Here are more of the natty masks on show in and around the city. And if you want to send us a picture of yours, go here and share the picture with us
But not everyone has to wear them.
The charity Hidden Disabilities has created a face mask exemption card for anyone with the right requirements to be exempt from the law.
Who is exempt in England?
The Government website reads: "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 such circumstances noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings.
"It is not compulsory for shop or supermarket staff to wear face coverings, although employers should consider recommending their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place."
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, but only if you need to
to take medication
if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:
If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification
If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication.
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