Following the UK government’s announcement that face coverings would be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from 24th July, new guidance has been published on what constitutes a face covering and how to make one at home.
Wearing a face covering is also required when on public transport in England. Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Guidance released has been based on current scientific understanding of coronavirus transmission and the specific pathogen that causes Covid-19.
What is a face covering?
A face covering, suitable for use during the coronavirus pandemic, is any breathable item which covers both the nose and mouth. Reusable or single-use versions are available to buy, or they can be made at home or improvised using a scarf or other item of clothing that fits securely around the face.
Because the coronavirus can be spread from droplets from coughs, sneezes, speaking and potentially from breathing in close proximity, and from those not displaying symptoms of Covid-19, wearing a face covering that absorbs droplets released can help to protect others around you. However, they are not a replacement for social distancing and other hygiene measures such as regular hand washing.
Due to the rapidly evolving context of the coronavirus pandemic, there are no UK standards as to what constitutes a face covering. If purchasing a face covering, the British Retail Consortium has released a specification for disposable and reusable coverings. Consumers can also refer to European (which the British Standards Institute intends to adopt) and French standards that have been produced to help purchase an appropriate product.
How to wear a face covering
The UK government provides the following guidance on how to properly wear a face covering of any sort, and correct hygiene procedures while wearing and when removing one.
A face covering should:
- cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
- fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
- be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
- be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
- ideally include at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organisation recommends three depending on the fabric used)
- unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged
When wearing a face covering you should:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on
- avoid wearing on your neck or forehead
- avoid touching the part of the face covering in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could be contaminated with the virus
- change the face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
When removing a face covering:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before removing
- only handle the straps, ties or clips
- do not share with someone else to use
- if single-use, dispose of it carefully in a residual waste bin and do not recycle
- if reusable, wash it in line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser once removed
Disposing of face coverings
- do not touch the front of the face covering, or the inside part in contact with your mouth and nose
- store reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them
- dispose of single-use face coverings in a residual waste bin. Do not put them in a recycling bin
- clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products
- it is important that you do not place your face covering on a surface in a public place, for example, at a table in a restaurant
- wash reusable face coverings regularly, following manufacturers instructions for the fabric. You can use normal laundry detergent and wash and dry it with other clothing.
- throw away your face covering if it becomes damaged
Making your own face covering
Instructions are widely available online to make a face covering at home. While the UK government does not endorse a specific design or fabric to use, it does provide some basic instructions.
Emerging scientific evidence on the use of face masks does suggest that using thicker fabrics and multiple layers helps to reduce the risk of transmission, however a covering should not be so thick as to no longer be breathable.
To make a simple face covering
The UK government provides the following instructions to make a reusable cloth face covering at home,.
You will need:
- two or three 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
- two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
- needle and thread or sewing machine
- scissors
Step 1: Cut out 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.
More detailed instructions can also be found on the Big Community Sew website, with instructions for a pleated or shaped face covering that may be more comfortable to wear.
Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?
In settings in England where face coverings are mandatory, some exemptions are in place where it may not be appropriate for certain individuals to do so.
Exemptions from wearing a face covering include:
- young children under the age of 11
- not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
- if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
- to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
- to eat or drink, but only if you need to
- to take medication
- if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering
- if asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification
- if speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication
Face coverings are also not mandatory in workplaces, although employers are reminded to continue to follow Covid-19 secure guidance.
Shop or supermarket staff working behind plastic screens, and similarly bus drivers whose cab is separated from passengers by a screen, do need to to wear a face covering as another physical barrier is already in place.
There is no universal face coverings guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has provided detailed guidance for specific workplace settings.