Wearing a face covering

A face covering is something that will cover your mouth and nose. It is normally secured via ties or loops round the ears or back of the head.

It is normally made of cloth and you can use items such as bandanas, scarves, religious garment or handmade cloth covering. The important thing is that is covers the mouth and nose and fits securely.

It is different to a face mask.

You need to wear a face covering in many indoor spaces such as shops, indoor hospitality (except when seated at a table to eat or drink), hospitals, places of worship; as well as on pubic transport, taxis and private hire vehicles where social distancing of 2 meters is hard.

For a full list please visit GOV.UK

Wearing a face covering can prevent the spread on coronavirus.

Coronavirus is spread by coughing, speaking and sneezing. But you can have coronavirus and not have symptoms (this means you are asymptomatic). Wearing a face covering can prevent you spreading it to others.
If you have symptoms or have tested positive then you should be self isolating.

They are not a replacement for social distancing or regular hand washing.

Following the government’s changed advice, staff and pupils in secondary schools in Leicester will need to wear face coverings in communal areas from 1 September.

This will apply to all pupils in year 7 and above who go to a Leicester City school (including those pupils who live outside the city).

If you have any concerns regarding your child wearing a face covering, please contact the school.

GOV.UK has made available resources on how to make a simple face covering.

• Face covering in education - guidance at GOV.UK

Most schools, in line with their risk assessments, require adults to wear a face covering if visiting the school for any reason (check with your individual school if you are unsure).

Parents of secondary aged pupils will have to wear a face covering in communal areas if they go into the school or college.

Parents of primary aged pupils now have to wear a face covering when outside school gates on the school run but are reminded to socially distance and not gather to further reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

Wearing a face covering in certain places is now law. The police have the powers to enforce this – which means that if you do not wear a face covering when needed, then you may be liable for a fine of up to £200 for a first offence. 

Shops can refuse entry to you if you do not wear a mask and they may call for police support if necessary.

A face covering can be made from all sorts of material (needs to be a few layers thick) you can even use old socks. The face covering needs to cover your mouth and nose and be fitted securely.

GOV.UK has made available resources on how to make a simple face covering.

Many shops and online retailers are selling face coverings and you can also make your own.

GOV.UK has made available resources on how to make a simple face covering.

GOV.UK has made available resources on how to make a simple face covering.

There are some exemptions to wearing a face covering.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Children under 11
• If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading
• If wearing a face covering will cause distress to the wearer
• If you are asked to by police or other official

More information is available at GOV.UK - when you do not need to wear a face covering.

Gov.uk have produced downloadable cards that people can display if they self-declare that they are exempt from wearing a face covering.
 
In addition, some local transport providers and shops are providing cards that people can use to self-declare that they are exempt.

• Make sure the face covering is clean and without damage.
• Wash your hand before you touch the face covering
• Pick it up using the loops or ties and place over your mouth and nose and secure carefully
• Make sure it covers your nose and mouth
• Put your glasses on after your face covering
• Do not touch your face covering whilst wearing it – if you need to take it off then do so using the loops or ties.
• Wash your hands before removing your face covering
• If you have a reusable face covering wash at least once a day
• Do not wear a dirty or damaged face covering
• If using a disposable face covering please dispose of carefully and responsibly
• Do not share your face covering with others

Face coverings are not needed when exercising outside and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Children under 11 do not have to wear one. Older children should wear one – make sure they fit well and only use ear loops to secure them. Do not use ties for children under 16.