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People are now required by law to wear face coverings when travelling on public transport in England – and those without one face a £100 fine and not being able to travel onboard. 

The aim of face coverings is to reduce the spread of coronavirus. By wearing a mask, you’re protecting other people from your germs – and by them wearing one, they’re protecting you. This is known as source control.

While there has been debate over how effective mask-wearing is – particularly as people are encouraged to wear face coverings rather than the medical grade masks used as PPE among healthcare professionals – the UK government has concluded that there is some benefit to wearing them.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said face coverings on public transport can provide some “small additional protection” to fellow passengers and help people avoid spreading the virus if they’re asymptomatic – when they have the virus, but don’t have any symptoms.

So, where else do I have to wear one?

In general, face coverings are recommended by the UK government for when it’s difficult to socially distance from others.  

From June 15, face coverings must be worn on buses, coaches, trains, trams, ferries and planes. Hospital visitors and outpatients also have to wear them.

Children under 11, disabled people and those with certain health conditions don’t have to wear them. Police officers are among thousands of extra staff being deployed to ensure people comply with these regulations.

In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, face coverings are not mandatory, but are recommended.

In smaller shops, where it’s not possible to socially distance, store managers may ask you to wear face coverings or provide you with one to wear – so it’s worth having one with you if you’re going shopping.

Some small newsagents, for example, have notices up on the door that state customers can only enter if they’re wearing a face mask. 

In larger stores such as Primark – which has been inundated with customers today – it’s up to you whether you wear a face covering. It’s not mandatory.

For example, many of those queuing to enter Birmingham’s Primark store on its re-opening day were wearing protective masks, PA Media reported. Remember, the virus can travel briefly in the air, which is why people are encouraged to also keep two metres apart. 

If you’re using a face covering, make sure you wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off. And avoid touching your face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand-to-mask transmission of the virus.

You can make your own face covering at home using just a sock, or buy one online.