Wearing Face Masks Made Compulsory On Public Transport In England

Wearing face coverings on public transport will be compulsory from June 15th in England. 

The move comes to help stop the transmission of coronavirus as more people return to work, says transport secretary Grant Shapps.

People will be required to wear face coverings on buses, trains, tubes and other modes of public transport, however the rule will not apply to people entering shops - despite the current guidance saying face coverings should be worn in enclosed public places.

The policy has been announced due to concerns about the possibilities of social distancing on crowded public transport.

The Guardian reports that a senior government source said it would help stop asymptomatic people passing the virus on to others and also 'act as a visible reminder' of the need for distancing and measures such as hand washing, and that fines may be imposed for anyone caught breaking the rule. 

In Scotland, people are currently ‘advised’ to wear face masks on public transport and in enclosed public spaces, however Nicola Sturgeon said she was considering making the measure compulsory.

In Wales, wearing face coverings is a matter of personal choice, while in Northern Ireland it is recommended that people “should think about using face coverings in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible.”

Mick Whelan, the general secretary of ASLEF, said: “We have been working closely with the government to ensure that agreed increases in services on Britain’s train, and Tube, network is done in a safe and controlled manner – to help spread [the number of travellers], and maintain social distancing – for the safety of passengers and staff.

“The instruction to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus will ease the concerns of people travelling, and working, on the transport network.”

The guidance makes an exception for children under the age of two, who should not have their faces covered, and any children of primary age who do not have somebody with them who is supervising them.

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