BABIES, disabled people and anyone with breathing difficulties won’t have to wear a face mask on public transport, it was confirmed tonight.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today that from June 15, everyone will have to cover up when they go on the train, bus or tube.
Travellers will be refused boarding if they are not wearing one, or told to get off.
The new rules will apply on trains, tubes, buses, ferries and planes. But people won’t have to wear them inside railway stations or bus terminals.
Grant Shapps said tonight: “I can announce that as of Monday 15 June, face coverings will become mandatory on public transport.
“The evidence suggests that wearing a face masks offers some, limited protection.
“You can be refused travel if you don’t comply and you could be fined.
“It’s a condition of travel. You cannot travel if you are not wearing a face covering.”
Mr Shapps added: “There will be exceptions to these rules for very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.”
The Department for Transport hasn’t yet published a full list of exactly who will be able to get away without wearing one.
The new rules will come into place on the same day that non-essential shops will open again across the country, and when more secondary school pupils are expected to start having some contact time with teachers.
The news came as:
- Ministers changed official advice to say that kids under three should not wear a mask
- Nicola Sturgeon said she was considering making it mandatory to wear masks in shops
- Here’s our guide to how to make one at home
- And where you can buy one online
Mr Shapps said that it would be an England-only rule, but he expects that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit.
A fresh nationwide advertising campaign will be launched in the coming days to let me people know of the new rules.
