The anti-maskers provoking shop staff by flouting restrictions: Woman who boasts she 'didn't clap for the NHS' and smoker with face tattoo are among mob of rule-breakers sharing videos of themselves not covering-up in stores

  • Anti-maskers have flouted new laws which make wearing of face coverings in shops in England mandatory
  • Lara Crabb talked of 'people avoiding me like the plague' as she went shopping in farm store in Devon
  • Male tattoo artist told Sainsbury's staff that they 'can't enforce the policy' as he bought a pack of cigarettes
  • Shoppers in other parts of England confronted other customers for not wearing face coverings today
Anti-maskers have been flouting new coronavirus laws in force today which make the wearing of face coverings in shops, banks and shopping centres across England compulsory.
Lara Crabb spoke of people avoiding her 'like the plague' as she filmed herself shopping in a farm store and a Tesco branch in Devon without covering her nose and mouth with a mask. 
Meanwhile tattoo artist Aron Walton filmed himself entering a Sainsbury's branch without a face covering which he dismissed as useless as he told staff they cannot enforce the new policy.
In London a Twitter account under the moniker 'Mr. Grunter' filmed the moment he entered a Boots store and asked a guard if he could enter without a face covering as he claimed he 'can't wear a mask'. 
And a shocking video posted on Facebook entitled 'play by your own rules' shows Reis Daniel being told to wear a mask in Sainsbury's before grabbing a bag of sweets without paying and running out the store laughing.
The videos were uploaded as shoppers in other parts of England confronted other customers for not wearing masks, while McDonald's staff kicked out diners for not covering their faces.
People in England now have to wear masks in all shops, stations, banks and post offices, though there is confusion with different firms having different policies on coverings - and whether or not to force customers to wear them.
Sainsbury's, Asda, Co-Op and Costa Coffee are among the firms saying they would not police the coronavirus rules, which also require people to cover their faces in all transport hubs, shopping centres and petrol stations.
McDonald's, on the other hand, are enforcing the rules, with customers in a Chelmsford, Essex branch ordered to leave the fast food diner for not wearing a face mask.    
Meanwhile, customers reported seeing fights break out in supermarkets, with masked shoppers confronting those not wearing a covering.  One person wrote: '10:05am I entered Sainsbury’s, 10:08am there’s a fight in the second isle because someone hasn’t got a mask on and the lady with her kid was panicking and shouting at the anti masker ..... end result? Lady picks up a tub of double cream and throws it in their face.' 
It comes as:
  • Boris Johnson admitted that his Government could have done things 'differently' early on in the pandemic; 
  • A Tory peer and health minister today suggested that gloves could also become mandatory when shopping; 
  • Care minister Helen Whately defended the short notice regarding the issuing of guidance just yesterday;
  • Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the move was essential for preventing a second wave of coronavirus;  
  • Union leaders have voiced fears that the new rules on face coverings could put workers' safety at risk.
Lara Crabb spoke of people avoiding her 'like the plague' as she filmed herself shopping in a farm store and a Tesco branch in Devon without covering her nose and mouth with a maskTattoo artist Aron Walton filmed himself entering a Sainsbury's branch without a face covering which he dismissed as useless as he told staff they cannot enforce the new policy
Lara Crabb spoke of people avoiding her 'like the plague' as she filmed herself shopping in a farm store and a Tesco branch in Devon without covering her nose and mouth with a mask. Meanwhile tattoo artist Aron Walton filmed himself entering a Sainsbury's branch without a face covering as he told staff they cannot enforce the new policy Lara Crabb, whose social media is linked to a website for anti-lockdown group Keep Britain Free, tweeted today that she 'didn't clap for the NHS once', explaining: 'They are paid to do their job'
Lara Crabb, whose social media is linked to a website for anti-lockdown group Keep Britain Free, tweeted today that she 'didn't clap for the NHS once', explaining: 'They are paid to do their job'

Boris Johnson admits that the Government 'could have done things differently' in the early stages of coronavirus outbreak as he says ministers 'didn't understand it' for MONTHS but denies being too slow to act 

Boris Johnson admitted tonight that his Government could have done things 'differently' early on in the coronavirus pandemic - but denied being too slow to act as the killer disease swept the nation.
In an interview to mark a year since becoming Tory leader and Prime Minister he admitted that politicians and scientists 'didn't understand (the virus) in the way that we would have liked'  in the spring.
Mr Johnson has come under heavy pressure in recent weeks over whether the lockdown began early enough, after chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told MPs they wanted it brought in a week before it came into effect on March 23.
Speaking to the BBC tonight, Mr Johnson said:  'When you look back at this crisis, everybody can see that this was something that was new, that we didn't understand in the way that we would have liked in the first few weeks and months.
'And I think probably, you know, the single thing that we didn't see at the beginning was the extent to which it was being transmitted asymptomatically from person to person. 
'That wasn't clear to us or to anybody. But ... there will be plenty of time by the way to look back at all the other things that we need to learn and there will be an occasion to do that.'
Asked if his administration had been slow to act, he added: 'No, on the contrary, no if you look at the timing of every single piece of advice that we got from our advisers, from Sage, you will find that whenever they said that we needed to take a particular step, actually, we stuck to that advice like glue.' 
Ms Crabb, whose social media profile is linked to a website for the anti-lockdown campaign group Keep Britain Free, uploaded her anti-mask crusade videos this morning.
After shopping in a local farm store without a mask, she recorded herself telling how other shoppers 'were avoiding me like the plague' and 'trolleys were going around me as if I was some big obstruction', adding: 'You can sort of see in people's eyes what they're thinking when they see you without a mask, it's so sad that it's come to this'.
Ms Crabb, who was wearing a cap and a pink top, said she had 'never felt so uncomfortable in a shop in all my life' and noted that the 'staff were amazing' and 'looked at me like a normal customer'.
Facebook user Aron Walton filmed himself walking around a Sainsbury's store with a grin on his face as he then asked a member of staff 'what's the policy' before telling him the rule cannot be enforced.  
Twitter account 'Mr. Grunt' recorded video of the moment he approached a Boots store and asked the masked guard if he could enter, to which the guard replied 'yes, there are masks back there'.
In the video, which was posted online with the caption 'Well done @BootsUK! #NoMasks', the man says 'I can't wear a mask, is that ok' before the masked guard responds 'yeah, that's ok'.
And in London, Facebook user Reis Daniel says 'f*** it, I'm going in' before he is told by a member of Sainsbury's staff that he is not allowed in the store without a covering.
Mr Daniel responds 'man, that's rough' before he snatches a bag of sweets by the check-out counter without paying for them and sprinting out of the store laughing. 
Under the rules, even customers entering banks must don a mask, but young children and people with medical conditions affected by masks are exempt from wearing them.  
Police are now urging shops to refuse entry to people not wearing face coverings, with John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, saying: 'I would urge retail outlets to play their part in making the rules crystal clear - if you are not wearing a face covering then you are not coming in. Officers will be there to help stores if needed - but only as a last resort, as we simply do not have the resources.'
Speaking about those who might have exemptions, Mr Apter added: 'If you're out shopping today and you see somebody not wearing a face covering it may be because they have a hidden disability. Don't jump to conclusions, don't have a go at them. This is new for us all, it's about keeping each other safe. Please be nice!' 
There was confusion within hours of the new rules coming into effect, with shopper Alan Gregg claiming he was at a Tesco store in Balby, South Yorkshire, at 6am for shopping this morning, 'and the lady at the door said to me face masks are not compulsory in this store'. Tesco has been contacted for comment. 
Another Twitter user told Costa Coffee that he was boycotting their stores, saying: 'Due to your stance on face masks I will no longer be using your outlets despite being a customer for more years than I can remember.'
Failure to comply could result in a £100 spot fine, although police forces have indicated they will only respond as a 'last resort'. Scotland Yard said it hopes shoppers who refuse to wear masks will be 'shamed' into compliance. 
A mask can only be removed in a shop for a small number of reasons, such as allowing staff to check someone's identity or age or to communicate with a deaf lip reader. Shop staff do not have to wear coverings but it is 'strongly recommended' that employers ask them to do so unless they have other precautions such as screens.A shopper wearing a mask in a supermarket in London as coverings become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
A shopper wearing a mask in a supermarket in London as coverings become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
McDonald's are enforcing the rules, with customers in a Chelmsford, Essex branch ordered to leave for not wearing a mask. Pictured is a Manchester McDonald's
McDonald's are enforcing the rules, with customers in a Chelmsford, Essex branch ordered to leave for not wearing a mask. Pictured is a Manchester McDonald'sA shopper leaves Tesco on Goodge Street in Central London not wearing a face mask despite the new rules from today. Young children and people with medical conditions affected by a mask are exempt from the regulations
A shopper leaves Tesco on Goodge Street in Central London not wearing a face mask despite the new rules from today. Young children and people with medical conditions affected by a mask are exempt from the regulations
A man leaves a B&M Bargains store in Slough, Berkshire, without wearing a face mask after the new rules came in overnight
A customer leaves the Londis petrol station store in Chirton, North Tyneside, this morning without wearing a face mask
People leave a B&M store in Slough (left) and a Londis petrol station shop in Chirton, North Tyneside (right), without masks 
Some people wear masks while others do not at a Pret a Manger outlet in London this morning after the new rules were introduced. The new guidance states face coverings will be required in takeaway sandwich shops like Pret
Some people wear masks while others do not at a Pret a Manger outlet in London this morning after the new rules were introduced. The new guidance states face coverings will be required in takeaway sandwich shops like Pret
Some shoppers wear masks while others do not when leaving a Tesco store on Goodge Street in London this morning
A woman does not wear a mask as she leaves Tesco in London
Some shoppers wear masks while others do not when leaving a Tesco store on Goodge Street in London this morning
Martin Mac tweeted this picture of two people wearing face masks at Williams & Co Trade Only Plumbing and Heating Supplies in Basingstoke, Hampshire, this morning
Martin Mac tweeted this picture of two people wearing face masks at Williams & Co Trade Only Plumbing and Heating Supplies in Basingstoke, Hampshire, this morning
Shoppers visit the Tesco Extra store in Shieldfield, Newcastle, this morning, buying groceries without wearing a face mask
A shopper leaves a Tesco store without wearing a face mask
Shoppers visit the Tesco Extra store in Shieldfield, Newcastle, this morning, buying groceries without wearing a face mask
One woman wears a face mask at a Lidl in Camden Town, while another goes without as the two pass each other in the store
One woman wears a face mask at a Lidl in Camden Town, while another goes without as the two pass each other in the store
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks after becoming compulsory today in all shops
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks after becoming compulsory today in all shops
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks after becoming compulsory today in all shops
A shopper wearing a face mask in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks
Contrast: A woman in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London wears a face mask (left), while a shopper in Pret a Manger in Camden Town goes without (right)
A shopper is handed a protective mask on entering a supermarket in Ealing on the day face coverings became mandatory in shops in the UK
A shopper is handed a protective mask on entering a supermarket in Ealing on the day face coverings became mandatory in shops in the UK
Passengers at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport wearing face masks this afternoon following the change in law making them mandatory in transport hubs
Passengers at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport wearing face masks this afternoon following the change in law making them mandatory in transport hubs
Face coverings will have to be worn in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres as well as train stations and airports under new rules set to apply across England from today
Face coverings will have to be worn in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres as well as train stations and airports under new rules set to apply across England from today
Airline staff wearing face masks at Heathrow Airport this afternoon. Failure to comply with the rules could result in a £100 fine although the police have suggested that they will not be aggressively enforcing the policy
Airline staff wearing face masks at Heathrow Airport this afternoon. Failure to comply with the rules could result in a £100 fine although the police have suggested that they will not be aggressively enforcing the policy
In Essex, the county council has commissioned a series of badges to help those exempt from wearing masks who are concerned about negative reactions, saying: 'I have a valid medical reason for not wearing a face mask.' 
The new rules are contentious, with some people finding masks uncomfortable and some libertarians complaining they are being 'muzzled' by the state. 
Among those complaining about the rules was a visitor to dress alterations shop Village Alterations in Melling, Merseyside, which is run by Sarah Knight, 46.
She said: 'I have five customers so far this morning and fortunately they have all been wearing masks. However one man grumbled: 'This is ridiculous - they don't work anyway'. And then he said it was very late in the day that the rule came in.
'But he was still wearing one. I wouldn't serve anyone or let anyone come in without wearing one. I would refuse to serve them. I have a mask on when people come into the shop.'
A shopper without a face mask outside a Tesco store in Leicester. Face coverings have become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from today
A shopper without a face mask outside a Tesco store in Leicester. Face coverings have become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from today
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops and supermarkets across England. Under new rules introduced by the Government, people will need to cover their nose and mouth or face a fine of up to £100. People with disabilities are exempt
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops and supermarkets across England. Under new rules introduced by the Government, people will need to cover their nose and mouth or face a fine of up to £100. People with disabilities are exempt
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks after becoming compulsory today in all shops
Shoppers seen in supermarkets in Camden Town without face masks after becoming compulsory today in all shops
Despite face coverings becoming mandatory in shops today, Britons all over the country continued to flout the rules as they shopped
Despite face coverings becoming mandatory in shops today, Britons all over the country continued to flout the rules as they shopped 
A shopper wearing a mask outside Iceland in Leicester. Face coverings have become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
A shopper wearing a mask outside Iceland in Leicester. Face coverings have become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
A shopper wearing a face mask in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London today after the coverings became mandatory today
A shopper wearing a face mask in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London today after the coverings became mandatory today
Shoppers wearing face masks in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London this afternoon as the coverings became required today
Shoppers wearing face masks in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London this afternoon as the coverings became required today
A shopper wears a face mask at Primark on Oxford Street in London this morning as the new rules come into force
A shopper wears a face mask at Primark on Oxford Street in London this morning as the new rules come into force
A shopper wearing a face mask in a Waitrose supermarket in East London today as coverings become mandatory in shops
A shopper wearing a face mask in a Waitrose supermarket in East London today as coverings become mandatory in shops
A shopper wearing a face mask in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London, as face coverings become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
A shopper wearing a face mask in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London, as face coverings become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England
A shopper wearing a face mask in Boots on Oxford Street in London today as face coverings become mandatory in shops
A shopper wearing a face mask in Boots on Oxford Street in London today as face coverings become mandatory in shopsTwo women wearing face mask wait for their flight at Heathrow airport this afternoon, with the majority of passengers seemingly following the guidelines
Two women wearing face mask wait for their flight at Heathrow airport this afternoon, with the majority of passengers seemingly following the guidelines
The laws could be in place until at least January, and could even last a year, unless the Government decides to scrap them in the meantime.

Warning over plastic pollution impact of single use face masks

Campaigners have raised concerns over the environmental toll of throwaway plastic masks, as face coverings become mandatory in shops in England.
Using a reusable mask will help prevent thousands of tonnes of contaminated waste and plastic packaging, and still provide protection during the pandemic, Greenpeace urged.
Plastic single-use masks can end up as litter that animals can become entangled in or debris in the oceans, potentially being ingested by wildlife and harming or even killing them.
In the seas they could also degrade into tiny pieces or microplastics which can contaminate the environment and food chains, Greenpeace said.
The environmental group pointed to a study by University College London that calculated if every person in the UK wore a disposable mask a day for a year, it would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated waste and 55,000 tonnes of plastic packaging.
Professor Mark Miodownik from University College London said: 'For general public use, reusable fabric masks are effective and far preferable to single-use plastic masks.
'They reduce the environmental and health risks associated with the disposal of 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste that will be produced if everyone in the UK starts wearing single-use plastic masks.'
Louise Edge, senior campaigner at Greenpeace, said: 'Throwaway masks are the latest plastic menace to be found strewn across parks and pavements.
'They find their way into our waterways, clogging up our rivers and seas and degrading into harmful microplastics.
'But disposable masks are not inherently safer for general public use than reusable ones, and experts say reusable masks can protect us during the pandemic, if worn and washed properly.'
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: 'Littering blights our communities and cleaning it up costs taxpayers' money, which is why it's vital we all dispose of our waste - including used items of PPE - in the correct manner.
'We know this public health emergency has meant an unavoidable reliance on single-use plastics such as PPE. As we emerge from the pandemic, it's clear we must pick up from where we left off and continue to lead the global fight on unnecessary single-use plastics.'
The Government and the World Health Organisation advise people to make their own cloth face coverings in the hope surgical masks will be reserved for health workers.
New research published in the journal Thorax found home-made face coverings need to be at least two layers and preferably three to curb the spread of Covid-19, and surgical disposable masks offer the best protection of all.
The public are advised by the Government to wash their hands before putting a covering or mask on or taking it off, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth while wearing one.
Face coverings should be stored in a plastic bag until they can be washed or disposed of, the Department of Health said
Face coverings are already mandatory in shops in Scotland and will be compulsory in shops in Northern Ireland from August 1.
A report recently published by the Royal Society suggests that even basic homemade face coverings can reduce transmission if enough people wear them when in public.
The study, based on mathematical modelling, showed that if an entire population wore face coverings that were only 75 per cent effective, it would bring the R value, which is the number of people an infected individual passes the virus on to, from 4.0 to under 1.0, without the need for lockdowns.
Another Royal Society report suggests the use of cotton masks is associated with a 54 per cent lower odds of infection in comparison to the no mask groups, when tested in a healthcare setting.
Melinda Mills, Nuffield professor of sociology, at the University of Oxford, told a webinar: 'So that should suggest that when you're generally in the public that it should offer you some, not 100 per cent, but it does offer you some protection.'
Meanwhile, another study which looked at coronavirus deaths across 198 countries found that nations which had policies favouring mask-wearing had lower death rates.
In another piece of scientific research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month, scientists calculated that wearing face coverings prevented more than 78,000 infections in Italy between April 6 and May 9, and more than 66,000 infections in New York City between April 17 and May 9. 
Experts say the risk of coronavirus transmission appears to be higher in poorly ventilated indoor spaces and wearing face coverings in small shops or enclosed shopping centres could help reduce the spread.
Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: 'Lack of strong evidence of their effectiveness should not be considered a problem but the evidence is accumulating that they have a part to play in reducing transmission and also in protecting the wearer.'
In addition, there is also increased evidence which suggests that many people with the virus who do not have symptoms can still be contagious. 
Ideally the face coverings should be made of multilayer high quality cotton. Where possible they should be should be worn in indoor confined spaces and crowded spaces, especially where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Japan follows the three Cs, closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings. When wearing a face covering, it should cover the mouth and nose with no gaps.
The WHO advises a three-layer face covering in the community - the outer layer should be water resistant, the inner should be water absorbent and the mid-layer acts as a filter.
It emphasises that a face covering alone cannot protect people from Covid-19, and must be combined with social distancing of at least a metre and regular hand washing.
The Government has said coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, as long as they cover the mouth and nose.
But scientists at the Leverhulme Centre, who studied different types of face coverings used by members of the public, say some coverings are not as effective as others, with loosely woven fabrics, such as scarves, shown to be the least effective.
Prof Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre, said: 'Attention must also be placed on how well it fits on the face; it should loop around the ears or around the back of the neck for better coverage.' 
Prof Mills says cloth coverings are an effective way to protect the wearer and those around them.
She says that face masks and coverings cannot be seen in isolation and are part of a package that involves hand hygiene and social distancing. Consistent and effective public messaging is vital, she concluded.

How can you make your own cloth face covering? 

The following is the official UK advice on how to wear and make a cloth face covering 
Wearing a face covering
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off and after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.
Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.
You should wash a face covering regularly. It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent.
When wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends.
Making your own face covering
Using a T-shirt
You will need:
an old T-shirt that you do not want anymore (ideally size small or extra small)
scissors
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
A sewn cloth face covering
You will need:
two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
needle and thread
scissors
Items you need for a sewn cloth face covering
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 3/4 cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.
This information is a guide to making a simple face covering. We do not endorse any particular method and other instructions are widely available online. Always take care to use equipment safely to avoid injury. Children should only follow these instructions under the supervision of adults.The when, the wear and the £100 fine: Everything you need to know about donning facemasks in 'enclosed spaces' - from shops to airports and takeaways - as new laws comes into force TODAY
By Jack Wright for MailOnline
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops and supermarkets across England. 
Under new rules introduced by the Government today, people will need to cover their nose and mouth or face a fine of up to £100. People with certain disabilities will be exempt. 
This comes after rules requiring people to wear face coverings on public transport became mandatory last month. Initially many experts and authorities including the World Health Organisation suggested face coverings were not effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 but are now recommending wearing them in indoor spaces.
- When do I need to wear face masks?
Face coverings will have to be worn in shops, supermarkets and enclosed shopping centres as well as train stations, banks, post offices, building societies, bus stations and airports.
The Government has also said that people taking out food and drink from cafes has to wear a face mask, but does not have to wear a covering if they sit in the premises.
Meanwhile, supermarket and shop staff do not have to wear masks, with several major retailers including Sainsbury's, Asda and Costa Coffee saying they will not police the rules aggressively.  
Masks do not have to be worn in pubs and restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, spas and beauty salons, hairdressers, galleries, concert and bingo halls.
Face coverings are also thought to make no difference outdoors as the risk of transmission is low in open air. 
Failure to comply with the rules could result in a £100 fine although the police have said they will not be aggressively enforcing the law, with ministers hoping the public will show 'common sense' on the issue. 
- Are there any exemptions?
Yes, while face coverings will be mandatory in shops, banks, takeaways, post offices, sandwich shops and supermarkets in England from Friday there are some exemptions.
Section three of the Government guidance, published on Thursday, sets out a list of 'legitimate reasons' not to wear a covering. Groups and settings include:
  • Young children under the age of 11;
  • Those who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment;
  • Those who will be caused severe distress by putting on, wearing or removing a face covering;
  • People travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate;
  • To avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others, to avoid injury or to a risk of harm;
  • To eat or drink if reasonably necessary;
  • To take medication;
  • If you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official;
  • If you are asked to remove a face covering in a bank, building society, or post office for identification;
  • If you are asked by shop staff or relevant employees to take a face covering off for identification, or by for example a pharmacist for the purpose of assessing health recommendations, or for age identification purposes including when buying age-restricted products such as alcohol.
If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound to help with communication.
It is not mandatory for shop or supermarket staff or transport workers to wear face coverings but employers can ask them to do so where appropriate and where other mitigation is not in place, the guidance states.
People exempt from wearing a face covering can choose to carry and show an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign, the Government says. 
- How can I make a face mask from a t-shirt, kitchen towel or vacuum cleaner bag?
A YouTube tutorial by Runa Ray shows how to make a face mask without any need for sewing, using just a plain t-shirt. First of all you need scissors, pencil and a ruler, and a t-shirt you don't mind being used to make a face mask. 
Cut out a 16' by 4' rectangle from the middle of the shirt, fold it in half, and measure four inches on either side. 
Then mark the t-shirt with an even number of tassels on each side and use scissors to cut them.
Turn the t-shirt inside out and separate the corner tassels, but tie the remaining ones in-between. Then with the remaining t-shirt material cut some ear straps using the hem of the shirt. Attach the straps to the remaining outer tassels and you have yourself a face mask, with no sewing involved, and using an old t-shirt. 
A slightly more complicated method has been perfected by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh  also managed to design a face mask that could be used if 'commercial masks' are not available during a virus outbreak.
They used a regular cotton t-shirt, which was boiled for 10 minutes and then air-dried to sterilise the material, but also to shrink it. The researchers used a marker and ruler to measure out what they wanted to cut and then formed the mask using an outer layer and then eight inner layers covering the nose and mouth.
The mask does not require any sewing, and instead involves it being tied multiple time around the face. 
The CDC has a how-to guide on its website for how people can easily make face masks out of t-shirts and bandanas
The CDC has a how-to guide on its website for how people can easily make face masks out of t-shirts and bandanas
By following the simple steps in the graphic, you can create your own face mask from a T-Shirt or vacuum cleaner bag
By following the simple steps in the graphic, you can create your own face mask from a T-Shirt or vacuum cleaner bag
By following the simple steps in the graphic, you can create your own face mask from a T-Shirt or vacuum cleaner bag. Even UK politicians have got in on the act, with Gillian Martin, MSP for Aberdeenshire East, describing how she made a face mask from vacuum cleaner bags and elastic. 
She told the Daily Record: 'I live in a small village and have been here for over 20 years. I don't want to worry or offend people when I go out. I started researching what other countries have been doing and came across a chart with the best materials to use to make a mask out of just about anything.'

Artist reveals quick method to make a face mask from a T-shirt sleeve using just a pair of scissors

Artist Sophie Passmore showed how to make a face mask from the arm of a T-shirt
Artist Sophie Passmore showed how to make a face mask from the arm of a T-shirt
Artist Sophie Passmore, from Brighton, who helped make costumes for The Masked Singer, appeared on BBC Breakfast to demonstrate how you can quickly fashion a face mask out of an old T-shirt using just a pair of scissors, without the need for a needle and thread.
  1. Cut an arm off the shirt - the bigger the better
  2. Take the bottom of the T-shirt and cut it all the way along into a strip, which turns into a perfect stretchy string.  
  3. Pop the string around your neck, then take the arm of the T-shirt, which acts as a loop of fabric, and put both ends of your 'string' at either side of the loop.
  4. Then simply pull back each end of the string and tie them behind your head. Sophie suggested making them 'fancy' by using a patterned tee.
'Just below medical material was a hoover bag. I have loads of them lying around and found Hepa-Flow bag that just goes on your Henry hoover'. 
The chart the MSP is referring to from a University of Cambridge study which shows the materials that work the best against virus sized particles.
The top three are a surgical mask, vacuum cleaner bag and tea towel.
She added: 'I cut it up the bag and secured it with elastic. I live with my family of three who have all been self-isolating so I made one for each of us'.
'I made it because I'm nervous of people coming up to me when I'm out walking the dog. I don't want to have to run away from them.'
Another popular YouTube method shows how to fold up a scarf, using hair ties at either end, to make a simple and easy no-sew mask. The same method can be used with a handkerchief and doesn't involve any sewing.
For this you need two layers of kitchen towel and one of tissue. You cut it in half, and then use masking tape on each end to ensure the mask is stiff.
Then you punch holes through either end of the mask and thread elastic bands through the holes. 
Some Japanese women have even been posting instructions about how to make a face mask from a bra.
The method is simple and involves cutting off one cup with scissors and then sewing the bra straps on, so they can be attached to your face.  
- Has there been confusion over the new rules?
Yes, opposition MPs have said it needs to be clarified whether customers have to wear face coverings in takeaways and sandwich shops in England. 
The criticism came after days of mixed messages with the Health Secretary and Boris Johnson's official spokesman contradicting each other on the matter. 
The Daily Telegraph reported that people using sandwich shops and takeaways will be required to wear a mask, and buying food from the counter and then sitting down to eat inside the shop will be banned.  
Ministers are facing accusations that the new rules are muddled, inconsistent and illogical, with face masks not necessary in pubs, restaurants and cinemas, but mandatory in shops, takeaway shops and shopping centres. 
A woman wearing a mask walks among other shoppers - some wearing masks - on London's Oxford Street on July 22
A woman wearing a mask walks among other shoppers - some wearing masks - on London's Oxford Street on July 22
David Strain of Essex University said there was 'no logic to the exclusion of theatres and cinemas' as social distancing could not be enforced: 'There is no reason why shopkeepers or supermarket staff should be exempt'. 
Chaand Nagpaul, head of the British Medical Association, told The Times: 'While today's guidance is in some ways helpful, the uncertainty of recent weeks has done nothing to inspire public confidence. Meanwhile, if venues such as theatres, museums and salons are not subject to these rules, there must be an absolute assurance that they can protect the public by enforcing physical distancing or putting other mitigating measures in place.'
And Jon Richards of the Unison union said: 'Government guidance has been confusing from the beginning. The UK was late to the table on face coverings and now people don't know what they should do. 
'There are rules for shops and public transport, but not for other enclosed spaces such as libraries, register offices and civic centres. The public needs clarity to end the muddle.'  
- What does the science say about face coverings?
A Royal Society report suggests that even basic homemade face coverings can reduce transmission if enough people wear them when in public. 

Face coverings encouraged in English courts from Monday

Members of the public attending courts and tribunals in England are being asked to wear face coverings from next week, HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has said.
The rules, which come into effect from Monday July 27, are being imposed to minimise the risk of coronavirus in HMCTS buildings, though people may need to temporarily remove masks for identification purposes.
Those speaking or giving evidence in the courtroom may also be made to remove their face coverings by a judge, but must maintain a strict two-metre distance.
Exemptions also apply to people with disabilities or health issues that make wearing masks difficult and the deaf, who may need to read another person's lips.
Courtrooms themselves will 'continue to be covered by the current guidance' which says that court users may wear face coverings whilst in the courtroom, HMCTS said.
The guidance refers to the use of face coverings in English courts and tribunals only.
People attending buildings in Wales and Scotland are also permitted to wear them, but they are not mandatory. 
The study, based on mathematical modelling, showed that if an entire population wore face coverings that were only 75 per cent effective, it would bring the R value, which is the number of people an infected individual passes the virus on to, from 4.0 to under 1.0, without the need for lockdowns. 
Another Royal Society report suggests the use of cotton masks is associated with a 54 per cent lower odds of infection in comparison to the no mask groups, when tested in a healthcare setting. 
Melinda Mills from the University of Oxford told a webinar: 'So that should suggest that when you're generally in the public that it should offer you some, not 100 per cent, but it does offer you some protection.' 
Another study which looked at coronavirus deaths across 198 countries found that nations which had policies favouring mask-wearing had lower death rates. 
In another piece of scientific research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month, scientists calculated that wearing face coverings prevented more than 78,000 infections in Italy between April 6 and May 9, and more than 66,000 infections in New York City between April 17 and May 9.
- What are the benefits to wearing them?
Experts say the risk of coronavirus transmission appears to be higher in poorly ventilated indoor spaces and wearing face coverings in small shops or enclosed shopping centres could help reduce the spread. 
Keith Neal, professor of epidemiology at the University of Nottingham, said: 'Lack of strong evidence of their effectiveness should not be considered a problem but the evidence is accumulating that they have a part to play in reducing transmission and also in protecting the wearer.' 
In addition, there is also increased evidence which suggests that many people with the virus who do not have symptoms can still be contagious.
- What do people need to know about wearing masks?
Ideally the face coverings should be made of multilayer high quality cotton. 
Where possible they should be should be worn in indoor confined spaces and crowded spaces, especially where social distancing cannot be maintained. 
Japan follows the three Cs, closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings. When wearing a face covering, it should cover the mouth and nose.
- Are some face coverings better than others?
The WHO advises a three-layer face covering in the community - the outer layer should be water resistant, the inner should be water absorbent and the mid-layer acts as a filter. 
It emphasises that a face covering alone cannot protect people from COVID-19, and must be combined with social distancing of at least a metre and regular hand washing. 
The Government has said coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, as long as they cover the mouth and nose. 
But scientists at the Leverhulme Centre, who studied different types of face coverings used by members of the public, say some coverings are not as effective as others, with loosely woven fabrics, such as scarves, shown to be the least effective. Prof Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre, said: 'Attention must also be placed on how well it fits on the face; it should loop around the ears or around the back of the neck for better coverage.' 
- What are the main messages about face coverings?
Prof Mills says cloth coverings are an effective way to protect the wearer and those around them. She says that face masks and coverings cannot be seen in isolation and are part of a package that involves hand hygiene and social distancing. Consistent and effective public messaging is vital, she concluded.  

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