Changes to rules on face coverings come into effect tomorrow - here’s where you must wear one

Government will make it mandatory in a number of places from August 8

From tomorrow (Saturday) new rules regarding face coverings will come into effect in an attempt to halt the spread of Covid-19.

It is currently mandatory to wear one in shops, shopping centres and on public transport.

However, as of August 8, people will be required to wear a covering in a number of additional settings.

These include:

• funeral directors
• premises providing professional, legal or financial services
• cinemas
• theatres
• bingo halls
• concert halls
• museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites
• nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers - other than where necessary to remove for treatments
• massage centres
• public areas in hotels and hostels
• places of worship
• libraries and public reading rooms
• community centres
• social clubs,tattoo and piercing parlours
• indoor entertainment venues - like amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities including laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms and heritage sites
• storage and distribution facilities
• veterinary services
• auction houses

The government recommends people wear face coverings in these settings already, but will make it mandatory to do so from tomorrow.

It is also encouraging people to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.