From 10 July 2020, it’s the law that passengers and staff on public transport must wear a face covering:
on bus, coach and train services
in public transport stations
in indoor areas of a ferry and outdoor areas where you can’t keep two metres social distance
This law does not apply to tour coaches and taxis or private hire vehicles but some operators may have their own rules you should follow.
Although face coverings may not prevent you from becoming infected with the virus, they help prevent people who don’t know they have the virus spreading it to others.
By wearing a face covering you are are showing your support and consideration for other passengers and staff and playing your part to prevent transmission of the virus.
You don’t have to wear a face covering:
on school transport
if you are under the age of 13
if you are a member of staff and are behind a protective screen
if you are a passenger or a member of staff and have a reasonable excuse
Some circumstances make it difficult for some people to wear face coverings.
In these circumstances people may have a 'reasonable excuse' not to wear a face covering on public transport.
These reasonable excuses include:
if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
if you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
if you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
if you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
if you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official
There is no need to get a letter from a doctor or government to show that you do not need to wear a face covering.
If you have a condition which means you cannot wear a face covering you only need to say, if asked, that you cannot wear a face covering because you are exempt.
It is important to that we all respect one another and remember that the reasons for not wearing a face covering may not always be visible.
If you do not wear a face covering and you are not under 13 or have a reasonable excuse for not wearing one, you are committing an offence and could be fined.
When you return home, wash your face covering before you reuse it, if the material is washable.
If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in the general waste.
How to wear and make a face covering
A face covering is a covering of any type which covers your nose and mouth. There is advice about how to make your own face covering available on the UK Gov.ernment website.
In line with the advice from the World Health Organisation, when you do wear a face covering it is important that you:
do not get a false sense of security about the level of protection they may offer
continue to practice social distancing
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
make sure the face covering covers your mouth, nose and chin without any gaps at the side
avoid touching the face covering when wearing it
take the face covering off by the straps
wash the face covering after use, if the material is washable. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in the general waste
