The wearing of face coverings is required by law in certain situations across the UK. The specifics vary slightly across the four home nations, but broadly the requirement applies to the majority of public indoor settings, and in places where physical distancing from people outside the individual’s household or social bubble cannot be maintained.

However, some groups are exempt:

• Children under the age of 11 years in England and Wales, under the age of five years in Scotland and under the age of 13 years in Northern Ireland
• Anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a health condition or disability or because it would cause severe distress
• When speaking to or assisting someone who relies on lip reading, or similar, to communicate.

There are also situations in which it is considered reasonable to remove a face covering temporarily, including:

• For identification purposes
• When eating, drinking or exercising strenuously.

The above is not exhaustive, and detailed guidance has been issued by each Government, but, in general, a common sense approach is needed. For example, an individual who is alerting someone to a threat does not need to don a face covering before speaking, and while someone with diabetes who needs to eat to stave off a hypoglycaemic attack is acceptable, this is the exception rather than the norm. Mild discomfort, glasses steaming up, and not wanting to wear a face covering are not regarded as reasonable.

Nobody is expected to have to prove an exemption, but some organisations have created cards that can be shown if this makes the individual feel more comfortable. Courtesy is also required in terms of helping others who may struggle to understand someone who is wearing a face covering. Measures include being patient, reducing background noise, speaking slowly, using gestures and removing the face covering while remaining at least two metres away.