West Yorkshire

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Face coverings could become a legal requirement in certain settings in England again, if the NHS comes under " unsustainable pressure" this winter.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the measure was part of the government's contingency planning.

When could masks become compulsory in England again?

If the NHS struggles to cope this winter, in certain settings in England.

Announcing the government's Covid, the health secretary said face coverings would continue to be recommended in crowded and enclosed spaces.

But he warned they could be legally required Once Again under " Plan B" contingency measures.

What are the current rules about masks across the UK? In England, the ended on 19 July, apart from in healthcare settings and care homes, unless exemptIn Scotland, in shops and on Public Transport - as well as pubs and restaurants when not seated; they are required in indoor public spaces in universities and - until at least the October Holidays - in In Wales, and in all public indoor areas apart from pubs and restaurantsIn Northern Ireland face coverings are; they must still be worn on Public Transport and in shops and hospitality venues

Although face coverings are no longer compulsory in schools in England, head teachers and health officials can ask Staff and pupils to wear them in response to local circumstances.

Schools in Bedfordshire, Trafford, Cambridgeshire and West Yorkshire .

Why are rules different for some Transport and shops in England?

Businesses and travel operators for customers and passengers.

For example, Transport for London requires face covering for travel on The Underground and on buses.

However, it's not a legal requirement - Staff can't issue any fines, although they can stop you from boarding a service or ask you to leave.

In other areas rules differ depending on which Transport you are using.

In Greater Manchester , mayor Andy Burnham requires face coverings on trams. He also wants them to be worn on other Public Transport such as buses, but these are privately run.

In addition:

Train operator Greater Anglia says passengers should Brittany Ferries continue to require face coveringsBritish Airways, EasyJet, Virgin and say masks are required

Many retailers have announced they still want shoppers to wear face coverings, including, Tesco and.

What if I Am exempt?

Most People could be refused service, entry or The Right to travel if a firm enforces a requirement to wear a face covering even if it's not legally required.

Companies decide their own health and safety measures, and insisting on masks could be a reasonable rule, says Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

However, they. So, if you are currently - for example if you have breathing difficulties - companies would probably have to continue to honour that exemption, says Mr Wagner.

What have scientists and doctors said?

The British Medical Association, which represents doctors.

England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said they will continue to wear them.

Media caption, Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance explain when they'll still use face masksWhy use a face covering?

Indoors where people are close together.

Face coverings worn over The Nose and mouth reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and while speaking.

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

Masks can also help reduce virus spread from contagious people with no symptoms.

What sort of face covering is best?

It should:

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

The highest level of protection is provided by FFP3 (or similar) masks worn by healthcare workers in High Risk settings. A recent study found.

Hospital Staff wearing standard surgical masks were much more likely to catch The Virus .

Members of The Public can buy FFP3 masks, but they won't provide the highest protection unless fitted correctly.

Source of news: bbc.com