Face covering: When should I wear face covering?
NEW rules around wearing face coverings to protect against coronavirus have been updated by the Government. When should you wear a face covering?
Dr Hilary discusses compulsory face masks on public transport
The debate around face coverings and coronavirus has been ongoing since the virus hit British shores. Transport Secretary Grant Schapps announced new rules regarding the wearing of face masks on public transport, in England only, earlier this week.
What are the new rules?
The public must wear a face mask when using public transport, for long and short journeys.
This includes buses, trains, ships, and planes.
The covering does not need to be a medical-grade mask and can be a homemade mask, such as a scarf.
Mr Schapps explained: "That doesn’t mean surgical masks, which we must keep for clinical settings. It means the kind of face covering you can easily make at home.
"There’ll be exceptions to the rule for very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.
"But broadly, as we come through this phase, we’re doing what many other countries have asked transport users to do.
"And as passenger numbers increase, and we expect this trend to continue, we need to ensure every precaution is taken, on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries.
"With more people using transport, the evidence suggests that wearing a face covering offers some – albeit limited – protection against the spread of the virus."
He told BBC News that while scientists aren't in full agreement about face coverings the Government "thinks it's worth doing absolutely everything possible" to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
There will be a fine for those who travel without a facemask and those attempting to travel without one will not be permitted to ride on public transport.
It is also stressed that face masks do not negate the need for social distancing, which is still essential when meeting others in any setting.
Mr Schapps also said the next easing of lockdown restrictions will be announced on June 15, in line with when non-essential retail being allowed to reopen, and some secondary school children being allowed back into mainstream education.
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Is anyone exempt from the new rules?
Children, disabled people and those with breathing conditions do not have to wear a face covering.
What are the rules in the rest of the UK?
In Scotland, it is recommended that you consider using face coverings in limited circumstances - such as public transport - as a precautionary measure.
In Northern Ireland, people should have face coverings in enclosed spaces for short periods of time, where social distancing is not possible.
Currently, the Welsh government does not ask for people to wear non-clinical face coverings - saying it is a "matter of personal choice".
The debate around face masks has circulated throughout the crisis, and scientific evidence is inconclusive on their effectiveness when being used by the public.
The World Health Organisation currently advises two groups to wear face masks in public: those who are sick and displaying symptoms, and those caring for those with coronavirus.
It also advises medical grade masks must be reserved for healthcare workers only.