The UK government has issued its full guidance on mandatory face masks, including shops and markets in England.
Facemasks were already mandatory on public transport and in hospitals, and the new rule includes transport hubs such as train stations and airports – in England. The guidemlines were released on Friday as a part of the next stage guidance to control the spread of coronavirus in UK.
As per the new regulations, it has been mandanted for the memebers of public to cover their faces with fabric such as scarf or bandana that cover nose and mouth in closed spaces.
It is necessary to cover face while buying food and drinks to takeaway from restaurants and cafes.
“If you are in a premises where you are able to sit down and consume food or drink that you have bought, then you can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink on site, ” said the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
A fine of £ 100 for not complying will be charges, however, certain groups are exepmted, including children under 11 with a disability or certain health conditions for whom wearing masks can be harmful. The rule does not apply to retail staff.
The rule also isn’t applicable for hospitality setting,visitor attrcations like musemus, and exercise or sports centres such as gyms.
Face coverings may reduce the likelihood of someone with the infection passing it on others, particularly if they are asymptomaic, the DHSC said.
“As we move into the next stage of easing restriction for the public, it is vital we continue for the public, it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fanstastic retail industry this summer,” said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
“Everyone must play their part in fighting this virus by following new guidance. I also want to thank the British public fpr all the sacrifices they are making to help this country safe,” he aded.
The UK government has said that wearing a face covering ins not itended to help wearer but ‘to protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have ot asymptomatically’.
While social distancing and handwashing ramain the key factors to curb the novel virus, face covering will prevent the spread at places where social distancing isn’t achievable.
More than 297,900 people have tested positive and 45,677 have lost their lives to the virus in UK.
