From 8 August the places where you will have to wear a face covering has been expanded. Face coverings is now mandatory for visitors to all Shropshire Council-run buildings as well as Telford & Wrekin Council-run buildings.
A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth.
How to wear a face covering correctly:
- Wash or sanitise your hands before putting it on
- Ensure the covering or mask goes up to the bridge of your nose and all the way down under your chin
- Tighten the loops or ties so it’s snug around your face
- Avoid touching your face, or the parts of the mask that cover your nose and mouth
- Wash or sanitise your hands before taking it off
- Use the ear loops to take the mask off and wash or sanitise your hands afterwards.
Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?
Please note face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11 and those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or health conditions that make it difficult for them to wear one. Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law. Read our article about “Hidden Disabilities and Face Coverings by clicking on this link: https://shropshire-disability.net/hidden-disabilities-and-face-coverings/
The updated list re wearing of face coverings includes the following:
- funeral directors
- premises providing professional, legal or financial services
- cinemas
- theatres
- bingo halls
- concert halls
- museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites.
- nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers – other than where necessary to remove for treatments
- massage centres
- public areas in hotels and hostels
- place of worship
- libraries and public reading rooms
- community centres
- social clubs
- tattoo and piercing parlours
- indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities e.g. laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc)
- storage and distribution facilities
- veterinary services.
- auction houses
Please play your part in helping to tackle the virus.
It’s important that, whatever you do, you do it safely:
- Keep your distance from other people
- Wear a face covering whenever possible (note the change in the law above)
- Wash your hands as often as possible
- Take hand sanitiser with you.
- Don’t forget the suncream (and a hat)!