This week, the UK Government have released further guidance around the wearing of face coverings in relation to Coronavirus among the general public.

The message, which forms part of the Staying Safe outside your home guidance states that members of the public can choose to wear a face covering when in an enclosed public space where social distancing from people outside of your household group is tricky.

For some of us, for example, this could mean wearing a covering while using public transport or in some shops.

This is a new step in the national guidance that may confuse those who were previously advised not to wear a mask or cover their face. So, why are we being asked to now?

Face coverings, as evidence suggests, may not do much to protect you from the spread of Coronavirus. However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, they may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with.

The new guidance comes after Boris Johnson told the public that more people may start to return to their workplaces, with appropriate safety measures in place – many of them needing to use public transport to do so. So, it makes sense that more people may feel comfortable being out in public if face coverings are considered appropriate.

But, in choosing to don a face covering, there are a few key things to consider in how members of the public can continue to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus:

  • Face coverings do not replace social distancing. Reducing the spread of Coronavirus should still be done by social distancing (at least 2m when out in public), increased hygiene (handwashing) and other infection prevention measures. The latest advice is available here.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough and/or high temperature and/or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste), you and your household must isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this.
  • If you choose to use a face covering, it is important to wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.
  • Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.
  • As social distancing is preferred, wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by law.

And, perhaps most importantly, a face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE).

In fact, it is vital that these items should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards.

Please, do not use medical grade face masks if you are not a critical worker in one of these groups, unless instructed by your employer. There is a global shortage of vital PPE and these supplies are best kept for our frontline staff who need them most.

If you wish to wear a face covering, the Government have provided advice on how people can make their own at home out of cloth or t-shirt material. The key thing is it should cover the mouth and nose. Instructions on how to wear and make a cloth face covering are available here.

To protect yourself, you should continue to follow social distancing measures and isolation guidance and wash your hands regularly.

Thanks for reading and please stay safe.