Face coverings become mandatory on public transport in England from Monday June 15th

Wearing face coverings on public transport will be mandatory in England from Monday June 15.

Please note:

• The new guidance refers to face coverings - not surgical masks
• Exemptions will be made for very young children, the disabled and those with breathing difficulties.
• You can be refused travel if you don’t comply and could be fined. Alongside transport operators, this will be enforced by the British Transport Police, as necessary.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said last week:

“People should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible. But, as restrictions are carefully eased when it is safe to do so, it’s likely that we will see more people needing to use public transport.

So, while respecting social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most important steps we can all take to stay safe, wearing a face covering can play a role in helping us to protect each other.

This is about the small changes we can take to help control the virus, which is why I urge everyone using transport to wear a face covering, to help keep us all safer.”

Face coverings are not the same as face masks. It is important that people do not use medical grade PPE masks to ensure these remain available for frontline staff. The government has set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings. These should cover the mouth and nose while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.

For advice from the government on how to make your own face coverings at home click here.