Conservative led Wiltshire Council is reminding people to play their part in protecting each other against spreading COVID-19 by wearing a face covering where required.
Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes COVID-19. The majority of people are expected to wear them in certain circumstances but there are some exemptions.
Those who are exempt are able to download and display a card if they wish to. Download an exemption card to display
In England, people are expected to wear them before entering any of the settings listed below, and they must be kept on until they leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it.
- public transport (trains, trams, buses and aeroplanes )
- taxis and private hire vehicles
- transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
- shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
- shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
- auction houses
- premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink (see exemptions)
- post offices, banks, building societies, high street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses, estate and lettings agents
- theatres
- 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
Following a recent change in Government advice, Wiltshire Council confirmed that all secondary school pupils and college students will now need to wear a face covering on dedicated school buses.
Some people are exempt from wearing face coverings, they include:
- children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
- people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
- if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
- police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
Conservative Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
"Wearing a face covering is a simple, proven, effective way for us to protect each other against spreading COVID-19. We urge everyone to wear one unless they are medically exempt - it's the least we can all do.
Workers in places like shops, public transport and libraries are risking their health to provide vital services so we owe it to them to do what we can.
People in Wiltshire have been brilliant this year and stepping up time and time again to do what's asked of them. If we all continue to play our part, then we can stop the virus from spreading and get back to normality as quickly as possible."
Full Government face covering guidance
