COVID-19 – Rules on face coverings

  • Posted

September 24th 2020

There is now a requirement to wear face coverings in all indoor public places in Wales. This includes on public transport and taxis, and in places where food and drink is served, other than when you are seated to eat or drink.  The new rules apply  to everyone aged 11 and over, unless an exception applies.

There are some circumstances where individuals may not be able to wear a face covering and there may be a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering if (for example):

  • You are not able to put on or to wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, or because of a disability or impairment;
  • You are accompanying somebody who relies on lip reading where they need to communicate; or
  • You are escaping from a threat or danger and don’t have a face covering.

On the 22nd September 2020Posted further Coronavirus measures were announced  in Wales in an attempt to slow down the spread of Covid-19 including new rules on face coverings.

In England,  there have been changes that specifically apply to workers who work in the following areas, stating that they must wear face masks, in Shopping centres, Restaurants and bars, Banks, Hotels, Cinemas, Post offices, Bingo halls, and Public libraries.

Penalty

The reasonable excuse exception still exists for those unable to wear a face mask in England and Wales (for example, because of a disability or where wearing a mask would cause severe distress).

These Regulations have also made it clear that it is the responsibility of the employee to wear a face mask and not the employer. The employee could face a £200 fine if found not to be following the new rules.

Further Advice

If you would like any Covid-19 Business advice, please get in touch with our Employment and Commercial Solicitor Sasha Brine 07475069698.