Face Coverings: When to Wear One and How to Make Your Own
Face coverings have become a key part of our lives amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. They must cover your nose and mouth fully and fit snugly around your face. You can grab reusable or single-use masks, or even use scarves, bandanas, religious garments, or homemade cloth coverings — as long as they fit securely.
Important: Face coverings are not PPE (personal protective equipment) like surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare workers. Instead, they mainly protect others by trapping the virus droplets you breathe out, helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Why Wear a Face Covering?
COVID-19 mainly spreads through droplets from coughs, sneezes, and talking. These droplets can also land on surfaces, which you might then touch, transferring the virus if you touch your face without washing hands. That’s why social distancing, hand hygiene, and covering coughs are vital.
Wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread of these droplets, protecting those around you – but it’s no substitute for keeping your distance or washing hands regularly.
If you develop key COVID-19 symptoms — like a persistent cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell — you and your household must isolate and get tested straight away. Wearing a face covering won’t change this.
The Perfect Face Covering: What to Look For
- Covers both nose and mouth while still allowing you to breathe comfortably
- Fits snugly against the sides of your face
- Secured with ear loops or ties
- Made from breathable material like cotton
- Ideally has two or more layers (WHO suggests three layers depending on fabric)
- Reusable coverings should be washable without damage
How To Wear and Remove Your Face Covering Safely
- Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on or taking off the covering
- Don’t wear it on your neck or forehead
- Avoid touching the front part that covers your nose and mouth
- Change it if it gets damp or if you touch it
- When removing, handle only the straps or ties
- Don’t share your mask with others
- Dispose of single-use masks carefully in rubbish bins, not recycling bins
- Wash reusable masks according to instructions at the highest fabric temperature
Where and When You Must Wear a Face Covering
Rules vary across the UK, so check your local guidelines for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
In England, you must wear face coverings by law on:
- Public transport
- Shops and supermarkets (since 24 July 2020)
Fail to comply, and you could face fines — £100 initially, halving to £50 if paid quickly. Transport and shop staff can refuse service or entry to those not wearing masks.
You’re also strongly advised to wear them in other enclosed spaces where social distancing is hard and you meet people outside your household.
Who’s Exempt from Wearing a Face Covering?
Some people don’t have to wear a face covering for health, age, or equality reasons. Respect these exemptions – some can’t safely wear masks.
Exemptions include:
- Children under 11
- Anyone who can’t put on, wear, or remove a covering due to physical or mental health issues
- Those who would be caused severe distress by wearing one
- People communicating with someone who lip-reads
- Where wearing a face covering might cause harm or injury
- When eating, drinking, or taking medication
- When requested by police or officials to remove it
Staff in shops are not legally required to wear masks, but employers should consider it based on risks and other safety measures like screens.
Face Coverings at Work: What You Need to Know
Workplaces vary hugely, so there’s no one-size-fits-all guidance. Employers must carry out risk assessments following government advice to keep staff safe. The best defences remain social distancing, hand hygiene, regular cleaning, and physical barriers.
Face coverings may help in some situations but mainly protect others, not the wearer. If employees choose to wear them, usual workplace PPE rules apply.
Making Your Own Face Covering
Want to craft your own mask at home? Loads of instructions are online. Choose comfortable, breathable fabrics. Using multiple layers or thicker fabrics can boost protection without making breathing hard.
Kids should make or wear masks under adult supervision, using ear loops — no ties — for safety.
For step-by-step tutorials, check out the Big Community Sew website, packed with handy tips.
Keeping Your Face Covering Clean and Safe
- Avoid touching the front of your mask
- Store reusable masks in a plastic bag until you can wash them
- Throw single-use masks in the bin — never recycling
- Clean surfaces your mask has touched with household products
- Don’t place face coverings on restaurant tables
- Wash reusable masks with your normal detergent following fabric care instructions
- Replace masks if damaged
For the latest official advice, check government websites and follow local regulations carefully. Stay safe and keep others safe too!
