woman riding train with no face mask
There are some scenarios where you don’t have to wear a face mask inside public areas (Picture: Getty)

Face masks have become commonplace in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and are mandatory inside public spaces across the UK.

Those who don’t wear a mask could face a £200 fine, which each subsequent offence doubling up to a maximum fine of £6,400.

There are, however, some exceptions to from the face covering rule, with the Government outlining 12 reasons which would excuse you and your children from wearing one should they apply.

Here is all you need to know.

Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?

The Government’s website states that the following will be exempt from wearing a face mask:

  • Children under 11 years old
  • Anyone not able to put on, wear or take off a face covering owing to a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • Anyone who would be caused extreme distress by donning, wearing or taking off a face covering
  • Anyone travelling with or providing assistance to a person who relies on lip-reading for communicating
  • Anyone who needs to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others
  • Anyone who does not have a face covering with them and needs to avoid injury, or to escape the risk of harm
  • People who need to eat or drink if reasonably necessary
  • A person who needs to take off their mask in order to take medication
Shoppers in face masks on Oxford Street
Some people are exempt from face coverings (Picture: Getty Images)

Situations which would jutify the removal of masks include:

  • If a police officer or other official asks someone to take their face covering off
  • If someone is asked to take their mask off in a post office, bank or building so that they can be identified
  • If someone is asked to take their mask off by shop employees for identification, so they can check your age – for example when buying age-restricted products like alcohol – and for the purpose of assessing health recommendations – for example, when speaking to a pharmacist
  • If a person is speaking with someone who relies on lip reading, facial expressions and/or clear sound

If any of these reasons apply to you, or you find yourself in any of the scenarios listed above, then you will be exempt from wearing face masks.

Up Next

Which medical conditions are exempt from wearing a face covering?

Although specific medical conditions have not been named, it’s been suggested that those with asthma and respiratory conditions could be exempt if wearing a mask makes it difficult for them to breathe.

Jessica Kirby, Asthma UK’s Head Of Advice has said in a statement: ‘For some people with asthma, wearing a face covering might not be easy. It could make it feel harder to breathe.

‘The UK government has advised that people with respiratory conditions don’t need to wear face coverings, so if you are finding it hard, then don’t wear one.

‘If you’re comfortable to wear a face covering, please use a cloth or home-made one, not a medical type face mask.’

Up Next

How to get a face mask exemption card

Asthma UK have made face covering exemption cards available at their website, as have Transport For London, for anyone using public transport who is unable to wear a face covering.

If you have a medical condition and you are unsure whether you should be exempt from wearing a face covering, your best bet is to contact your GP for advice.

Other charities such as Hidden Disabilities offer cards you can download, but none of these cards are official Government documents.

MORE : Tesco, Asda and Waitrose join competitors to ban maskless customers from stores

MORE : Should you wear a face mask outdoors?

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.