Update on when to wear a face covering

This applies to England

Following on from the article yesterday (29 November 2021) where face coverings were recommended and expected, the Government later announced and released further guidance to confirm wearing a face covering is now a legal requirement in any indoor setting.

Staff that work in or near the public are also required to wear face masks even if offices are only open by scheduled appointments. Whilst it is not mandatory, you should continue to wear a face covering in indoor places, which are crowded and enclosed and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This could include when carrying out a property inspection or when a contractor attends a property.

The police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers, including issuing fixed penalties of £200 for the first offence (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days).

Repeat offenders receiving penalties for breaching the requirements on public transport, in a transport hub or in an indoor setting where the wearing of a face covering is mandatory, will have their penalty doubled for each subsequent offence.

After the first offence there will be no discount. For example, a second penalty would be £400, a third £800, up to a maximum of £6,400. Any penalties issued under the 2020 regulations that were in force until earlier this year will not count towards the accumulation of fines levied under the new regulations.

Please see below for the updated guidance dated 30 November 2021

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own