Guidance

Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one

This page explains what face coverings are, including what makes a good one, when to wear a face covering and exemptions from wearing one.

From:
Department of Health and Social Care and Cabinet Office
Published
14 July 2020
Last updated
27 January 2022 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on

This page has been withdrawn because it’s no longer current. Read more about living safely with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Applies to England

Documents

[Withdrawn] Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one

HTML

[Withdrawn] Exemption from face covering badge (for mobile phone)

PDF, 69.2 KB, 5 pages

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[Withdrawn] Exemption from face covering badge (to print)

PDF, 536 KB, 3 pages

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[Withdrawn] Exemption from face covering card (to print)

PDF, 81.3 KB, 5 pages

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Details

This page explains:

  • what face coverings are
  • their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • the settings in which they are recommended
  • how they should be safely used and stored

This information is based on current scientific evidence and is subject to change.

Exemption cards or badges

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.

If you would like to use an exemption card, you can download the PDF attachments on this page.

Those who have an age, health or disability reason not to wear a face covering should not be routinely asked to provide any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.

Updates to this page

Published 14 July 2020
Last updated 27 January 2022 + show all updates

  1. Updated guidance to reflect the face covering regulations coming to an end on 26 January 2022.

  2. Added call-out stating that from 27 January, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering.

  3. Added driving theory test centres to list of regulated settings.

  4. Updated guidance to remove repetition of settings.

  5. Updated rules on face coverings - following the government's announcement on 8 December that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.

  6. Translations removed as no longer reflect latest guidance.

  7. Updated to reflect the new rules on settings where it is now mandatory to wear face coverings.

  8. Updated to remove reference to workplace risk assessments.

  9. Updated guidance on disposing of face coverings to bring in line with wider COVID-19 waste disposal guidance.

  10. Updated 'Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own' reflect the change to the rules in response to the Omicron variant.

  11. Updated to add transport hubs to the list of settings where face masks are required.

  12. Updated to reflect that the public and staff in public facing areas will be required to wear face coverings in some settings from 4am on 30 November:

  13. Added translation

  14. Updated translations of guidance in Arabic, Bangla (Bengali), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi (Gurmukhi) and Urdu to reflect changes to the rules that came into effect on 19 July 2021.

  15. Guidance updated for the move to COVID-19 rules step 4 on 19 July

  16. Removed the banner linking to information about the spring 2021 roadmap and to the rules on what you can and cannot do.

  17. Updated to remove the guidance on table service in indoor seating areas in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.

  18. Updated to add information on transparent face coverings.

  19. Updated guidance to reflect changes in restrictions after 29 March.

  20. Removed reference to standards and clarified language around the fit and materials of face coverings. Also updated to reflect DfE's guidance in schools.

  21. Added translations: Arabic, Bangla (Bengali), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi (Shahmuki) and Urdu.

  22. Updated to reflect the change from national to regional restrictions in England on 2 December. Added guidance about wearing visors. Updated guidance about 'reasonable excuses' and exemption badges and cards.

  23. Text added to 'When to wear a face covering', 'When you do not need to wear a face covering' and 'Staff in indoor settings' to make people aware that from 5 November some of the settings listed may not be open because of the national restrictions.

  24. Added estate agents and theatres to the list under 'When to wear a face covering'. Further clarity has been made to the section 'Staff in indoor settings'.

  25. Changes have been made to the following sections: 'When to wear a face covering', 'Enforcement measures for failing to comply with this law', 'When you do not need to wear a face covering' and 'Face coverings at work'.

  26. Updated with information about penalty fines for not wearing a face covering.

  27. Added that face coverings are required in sports stadiums. Updated exemptions to show when face coverings are not required.

  28. Updated enforcement action to reflect announced fine amounts.

  29. Added that face coverings are required in these settings: casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas, exhibition halls and conference centres.

  30. Page updated in line with the latest government guidance.

  31. Update to guidance

  32. This page has been updated with information about face mask exemptions

  33. First published.

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