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Coronavirus: Who should wear a face mask or face covering? Coronavirus: Who should wear a face mask or face covering?
(17 days later)
For the first time, people in England are being advised to wear face coverings in some enclosed spaces. Face coverings are to become compulsory for people using public transport in England from Monday 15 June.
The Scottish government already recommends people wear them when in shops and on public transport. They are already recommended in some enclosed spaces - like public transport and shops - when social distancing (staying more than 2m apart) isn't possible.
Wearing a face covering can prevent an infected person passing on the virus, rather than stopping someone contracting it. What are the new rules?
What is the new advice? The move to compulsory face coverings on buses, trains, ferries and planes will coincide with a further easing of lockdown restrictions.
The government for England says: From 15 June, ministers want more non-essential retailers to open and some secondary school pupils to return to classes. This could put more pressure on public transport, and make social distancing more difficult.
People do not need to wear face coverings where they are: Announcing the new rules, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stressed people should:
Advice in Wales has not changed and face coverings have not yet been recommended for the general public. People in Northern Ireland have been told to consider wearing face coverings if they are in places where they cannot social distance. Some passengers will be exempt from the new rules:
Mr Shapps said passengers should wear "the kind of face covering you can easily make at home". Surgical masks should be kept for medical uses.
He told BBC News that while scientists aren't in full agreement about face coverings, "we think it's worth doing absolutely everything possible" to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
How will the new rules be enforced?
Mr Shapps said it would be a "condition of travel" to wear a face covering and people could be refused travel - and even fined - if they didn't follow the rules.
He said British Transport Police would enforce the regulation if necessary - but he hoped most travellers would comply.
Details of the rules will be displayed at stations. Transport staff will also wear face coverings, and volunteer marshals, known as "journey makers", will give advice.
What's the current advice?
Until now the government advice in England has said you should wear face coverings:
It also stresses that personal face coverings:
What about 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".
Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?Why doesn't everyone wear a mask now?
The advice talks about face coverings, rather than masks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently says only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are:The World Health Organization (WHO) currently says only two groups of people should wear protective masks, those who are:
It says medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.It says medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.
Masks are not generally recommended for the public because:Masks are not generally recommended for the public because:
But that doesn't mean they have no benefit at all for the general public - it's just that the scientific evidence is weak. But that doesn't mean they have no benefit at all for the general public - it's just that the scientific evidence is inconclusive.
Homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances - they might help stop the spread of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms (known as asymptomatic transmission).Homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances - they might help stop the spread of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms (known as asymptomatic transmission).
Scientists in Singapore suggest that risk is especially high in the 24-48 hours before an infected person is even aware they might have the disease.Scientists in Singapore suggest that risk is especially high in the 24-48 hours before an infected person is even aware they might have the disease.
Coronavirus is spread by droplets that can spray into the air when those infected talk, cough and sneeze. These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.Coronavirus is spread by droplets that can spray into the air when those infected talk, cough and sneeze. These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.
What face masks are used by health workers?What face masks are used by health workers?
The most protective mask is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.The most protective mask is an FFP3 or, alternatively, an N95 or an FFP2.
NHS staff in lower-risk situations can wear a surgical mask. This includes healthcare workers within one metre of a patient with possible or confirmed Covid-19. These staff may be in hospitals, primary care, ambulance trusts, community care settings and care homes.NHS staff in lower-risk situations can wear a surgical mask. This includes healthcare workers within one metre of a patient with possible or confirmed Covid-19. These staff may be in hospitals, primary care, ambulance trusts, community care settings and care homes.
Where am I supposed to get a face covering?Where am I supposed to get a face covering?
There is lots of advice online about how to make them.There is lots of advice online about how to make them.
Suggestions include using common household items, such as cotton fabric from old T-shirts or bedding.Suggestions include using common household items, such as cotton fabric from old T-shirts or bedding.
The government has published advice on how to wear and make your own cloth face covering which says:The government has published advice on how to wear and make your own cloth face covering which says:
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What else can protect against coronavirus?
Gloves and other protective wear are recommended for NHS staff working in places where they could encounter coronavirus.
Again, staff in the highest-risk scenarios are advised to wear fuller protection, rather than a simple apron, gloves, mask and goggles.
The general public are not advised to wear gloves or any other protective gear.
To protect yourself from coronavirus, the NHS recommends regular and through hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and not touching your face with unwashed hands.