The big news across the nation this week is that face coverings will be mandatory in supermarkets and shops from 24 July. This follows on from face coverings previously becoming mandatory on public transport and in NHS settings.

Under the new rules, anyone not wearing a face mask in shops and supermarkets from 24 July onwards could face a £100 fine. It is important to note that children under the age of 11 and people with certain disabilities are exempt from this rule. Find more information, including when to wear a face covering and how to make your own, here.

Last week, we told you that nail bars, tattoo studios and beauty salons would be reopening this week and that gyms, indoor swimming pools and sports facilities will be able to reopen at the end of the month. However, this new guidance is a stark reminder that, although normal activities are resuming for many people, coronavirus
still poses a very real threat to each and every one of us. Evidence suggests that wearing a face-covering will protect other people if you have coronavirus but are not aware and, in turn, other people wearing masks will protect you against the virus if they have it but are not showing symptoms.

There is, however, a lot of concern around the effect of single-use masks on the environment. That is why you will have seen lots of talk this week about reusable masks. If you don’t want to make your own face covering, you can buy lots of different ones online. Reusable coverings/masks are a great way to protect our health as well as the environment, as we won’t be putting as much plastic waste into our oceans.

Read more here: Stakeholder update wc 13 July 2020