In the UK, the rules for face coverings are different across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

So what are the differences?

Shops

Across the UK face coverings must be worn at all times in shops, shopping centres and supermarkets. Wales decided to opt out of that rule until the 14th September 2020.

This information was originally written on the 8th September 2020. It was last updated on the 11th September 2020.

Other locations

• public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses)
• transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
• shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
• auction houses
• premises providing professional, legal or financial services (post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)
• premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours)
• premises providing veterinary services
• visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)
• libraries and public reading rooms
• places of worship
• funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels)
• community centres, youth centres and social clubs
• exhibition halls and conference centres
• public areas in hotels and hostels
• storage and distribution facilities

Fines

Not wearing your masks where and when you should can mean on the spot fines of £100 and repeat offender fines quickly double upto a maximum of £3200.

Important exemptions

• Kids under the age of 11
• People who can't wear them because of an impairment or disability
• Exempt careers - Police officers, Emergency workers, transport workers, delivering religious ceremonies, elite sports people and similar professionals
• Wear the mask will cause you severe distress
• To avoid harm or injury
• For lip reading or identification purposes
• To take medication or receive treatment
• If you're getting married in a relevant place
• If you're exercising in a way that requires you to do so

Government advice

Please see the government advice website for more information here.