06.08.2020

The Executive has today announced that the use of face coverings in certain indoor settings will be mandatory from Monday August 10.

From 10 August the use of face coverings when you are in a public area indoors, such as in a shop when social distancing is not possible, will be mandatory. You must also wear a face covering on public transport.

From 10 August it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in a shop or shopping centre, or any indoor public space where it is not possible to maintain social distancing.

The Executive recognises that some circumstances make it difficult for some people to wear face coverings, for example:

• physical illness
• where it is distressing for someone to cover their face
• where someone is accompanying a person who relies on lip reading to communicate

It is important that we all respect one another and remember that the reasons for not wearing a face covering may not always be visible.

Read the full statement from the NI Executive.