Additional requirement on face coverings came in to law on the 8 August 2020.Covid Regulations
New coronavirus restrictions requiring face coverings in more locations, have lawful effect from yesterday….
Face coverings are required inside these buildings (Subject to exceptions)
No face coverings required inside these buildings.
Updated Regulations link here ..
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/839/pdfs/uksi_20200839_en.pdf
The above regulation have ADDED to existing regulation made on the 23rd July 2020, Parliament approved regulations regarding wearing face coverings in certain places. The regulations are called The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 and can be read in full here
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/791/part/3/made
Section 6, creates the two possible offences;
1) to obstruct a person (Police, PCSO, Council worker) who are discharging their lawful duty and
2. of contravening a direction to wear a face covering, punishable by a fine
The amount if the fine is covered in Section 7
1. A person must be over the age of 18 to commit the offence and to be given a fixed penalty notice (ticket)
2. The cost of the fixed penalty notice is £100 reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days
Section. 4 provides the details of what is a reasonable excuse for NOT wearing a face covering.
A Person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering, because of any physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability (within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 (6), or
1. without severe distress;
2. A person is accompanying, or providing assistance to, another person and That person relies on lip reading to communicate.
3. A person removes their face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others.
4. A person is entering or within a relevant place to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and does not have a face covering with them;
5. it is reasonably necessary for a person to eat or drink, a person removes their face covering to eat or drink;
6. A person has to remove their face covering to take medication;
7. A person responsible for a relevant place or an employee of that person acting in the course of their employment, requires that a person remove their face covering in order to verify a persons identity; (It is assumed this must be in observance of a persons religious or cultural observance, though the regulation is silent )
8. A relevant person requests that a person remove their face covering.
Section 5 of the regulation provides for enforcement whilst entering or moving within a relevant place.
Here’s a summary of what enforcement could be taken.
1. You could be refused entry
2. You can be directed to wear a face covering
3. You can be told to leave the place
4. Police can use reasonable force to remove you.
5. Issued with a fixed penalty notice