Face Mask Rules: Companies to set their own Covid regulations

The government is leaving businesses to decide their own rules on whether customers require a face mask after Covid restrictions ease in England on 19 July.

It has been compulsory to wear a face covering in indoor situations and on public transport for the past year. This is a measure in place to help reduce spread of coronavirus. But as of Monday, legal requirements are removed, with only guidance in its place. The government will advise passengers wear face masks on busy services. But transport companies are left to determine whether to enforce it, and how.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid says face coverings will become “recommended” on public transport. This means people without one will not incur a fine anymore. Although train and bus companies can still turn people away if they wish, unless they are exempt from wearing a mask.

There are worries that removing the mandatory requirement for face coverings will result in medically vulnerable people fearing public transport. Companies setting their own individual rules will also lead to confusion among the public.

Giving people responsibility

The government urge a cautious approach to lifting of Covid restrictions, and are entrusting the British public to take responsibility for their own decisions. Specific guidance will exist, but measures will no longer form a legal requirement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says , “we expect and recommend that people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet, such as on public transport”.

The government’s approach to unlocking the country is criticised as “high risk” and “fatalistic”. Many argue it would be safer to continue with laws enforcing the wearing of face masks in certain situations.

Other restrictions easing include lifting limits on how many people you can meet with, and removing the need for social distancing. Guidance on working from home will also lift, with a gradual return to the workplace expected. Venues and events will no longer have capacity limits, and nightclubs will reopen for the first time since March 2020.

However, venues with large crowds are encouraged to use Covid status certification (vaccine passports) “as a matter of social responsibility”.

Mr Johnson hopes the rule changes are irreversible, but says “we must rule nothing out”. And Mr Javid states a review will follow in September “to make sure that we’re properly set up for autumn and for winter”.

Singling out public transport

Travel companies and their representative bodies feel the government has singled out public transport as more dangerous than other indoor settings. They do not understand why government do not emphasise more guidance on other indoor situations like pubs, restaurants and shops, where you also come into close contact with strangers. They don’t want people to feel uncomfortable riding on public transport, or think it poses higher risks.

Everyone is eager for clear guidance for both operators and customers. But at the same time, think it important to respect people’s right to choose whether to wear a face covering. Some businesses will request customers to wear a face covering in busy indoor scenarios “out of respect for others”.

Regardless of rule changes, we all need to remember “this pandemic is not over”. Cases will continue to rise after restrictions lift, and uncertainty will remain.

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