COVID-19 Guidance: Face Masks - When to wear them

Published: 30 November 2021

From 30 November 2021, you must wear a face covering by law, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse, in the following indoor settings:

• shops and supermarkets
• shopping centres
• auction houses
• post offices, banks, building societies, high street solicitors and accountants
• estate and letting agents
• premises providing personal care and beauty treatments
• pharmacies
• premises providing veterinary services
• retail galleries
• retail travel agents
• takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises
• public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles
• any car or small van during a professionally delivered driving lesson, a practical driving test, or during one of the practical tests for giving driving instruction, and in all HGV lessons and tests
• transport hubs (stations)

You should wear a face covering in other indoor places that are not listed above, which are crowded and enclosed and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Face coverings and face masks are needed in healthcare settings to comply with infection, prevention, control (IPC) guidance. This includes hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They should also be worn by everyone accessing or visiting care homes.

For more detailed information visit: Gov.uk