Face Coverings – New Guidance

In light of the changes in government guidance, it will now be mandatory to wear a face covering when you attend surgery unless you are exempt.

Face coverings should be worn in indoor places where social distancing  may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet .  They are needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and other primary care and community settings such as GP surgeries.

There are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
• police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

Please see guidance below for further information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#when-to-wear-a-face-covering