In Society

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Face coverings are compulsory in more indoor venues in England from Friday, as stricter measures are introduced to tackle the Omicron variant.

Similar rules have already been introduced in other parts of the UK.

Where are face coverings compulsory in England?

From Friday 10 December, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship.

The government had already reintroduced masks in shops, on Public Transport and at hubs like railway stations.

Masks are also in:

Hairdressers, tattoo studios and nail barsPost offices and banksEstate agentsVet surgeriesTakeawaysPharmaciesAuction housesTaxisDriving lessons and tests

Under-12s are exempt, as are those.

Secondary School pupils are as are staff and visitors.

Do I have to wear a mask at pubs, restaurants or gyms?

There are exemptions where it's not practical to wear a face covering, such as when eating, drinking, singing or exercising.

The government says that's why face masks will not be required in pubs, restaurants or gyms.

Until 19 July, customers in England were required to wear masks in hospitality settings when not seated.

How much can I be fined for not wearing a mask?

In England, police and Transport for London officers can fine people £200 for their first offence. This drops to £100 if paid within 14 days. The Penalty doubles for each subsequent offence, with no discount for quick payment. So, a second penalty would be £400, a third £800, up to a maximum of £6,400.

In Wales, The Penalty for a first offence is £60, with the fine doubling for each subsequent offence - up to a maximum of £1,920. Repeat offenders can also be prosecuted In Court where fines are unlimited.

In Scotland, £30 fines are issued to people who don't wear face coverings in public buildings, rising to almost £1,000 for repeat offenders.

What have shops and police said about enforcement?

The British Retail Consortium, which represents shops across the UK, says enforcement is a matter for The Police , but that customers should respect The Rules and be considerate.

The Association of Convenience Stores, representing 33,500 local shops, says it doesn't expect staff to challenge unmasked customers as it can be " a major trigger for abuse".

Police will enforce regulations " where it is necessary, " says the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC).

" If officers encounter individuals not wearing a face covering on Public Transport or in shops, they will engage with them, explain the risks and encourage them to comply. "

According to the NPCC, 2,306 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in England and Wales in the year to July. Meanwhile, 641 people were fined for failing to wear a mask on Public Transport or for obstructing those enforcing The Law .

In October, Transport for London (TfL) said it had prosecuted 1,733 passengers since June 2020 for failing to wear a mask - resulting in an average fine of £549.

What are The Rules in the rest of the UK? In Scotland, in shops, on Public Transport and in pubs and restaurants when not seated. They are compulsory for and are required in indoor public spaces in universities. In Northern Ireland , post-primary pupils must wear face coverings inside School Buildings , as must staff if they can't socially distance, and. In Wales, and in all public indoor areas apart from pubs and restaurants. Secondary School pupils are. Why use a face covering?

Indoors where people are close together.

Covering The Nose and mouth reduces the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and while speaking.

The main purpose is to protect others although there is some.

What sort of face covering is best?

It should:

have a nose wirehave at least two or three layers of materialfit snugly over mouth, nose and chin

Standard surgical masks are acceptable. It is also possible to buy FFP2 and FFP3 masks used by healthcare workers. However, these must be fitted correctly to Work .

viruses, coronavirus pandemic

Source of news: bbc.com