When to wear face coverings?

With the restrictions easing across the world after overcoming what is hopefully the worst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are starting to resume a bit of normality. However, in many places, this ‘new normal’ involves having to wear a face covering when out and about. But the question a lot of people are asking is when to wear face coverings? And where should you be wearing them? Everywhere is different, and there are also differing views on the effectiveness of face coverings, however the general consensus across the globe is that face coverings are effective in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Where should I wear face coverings?

Currently in the UK, face coverings are mandatory on all forms of public transport – trains, tubes, planes, buses and in taxis, and for those working at, visiting or going as an outpatient to a hospital. It is also advised that those in crowded places such as shops should wear a face covering, however it is not yet mandatory to do so. With unspecified advice from the government, you may be wondering, where should I actually wear a face covering?
While not mandatory, it is recommended that you should wear a face covering at all of these places:

• All forms of public transport
• When visiting shops
• When in crowded places with lots of people such as outside shops or when waiting in queues
• When surrounded by groups of people such as when sat in pub gardens
• When travelling in indoor spaces such as when walking around a large office environment
• When visiting hospitals
• When going to appointments such as hair appointments, eye tests or doctors’ appointments

Why do I need to wear one?

The COVID-19 virus is spread via droplets which are passed through the air by people speaking, coughing or breathing heavily. When in places where social distancing is not possible, or where many people are sharing the same air (such as inside crowded places, or public transport where air isn’t circulated as well as it is outside), wearing a face covering reduces the distance that these droplets can travel from a person’s mouth or nose. If you have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic, and therefore do not show any symptoms so don’t know that you have the virus, you could be inadvertently spreading the virus simply by speaking, without realising. By wearing the mask, the droplets cannot travel as far, and therefore are less likely to infect others around you.

What type of face covering should I wear?

The government has advised that fabric face coverings or ones which are handmade are adequate enough. Reusable or fabric face coverings are better for both people and planet, as they mean that supplies of disposable surgical masks are not depleted and left for the healthcare workers who need them most, and also reduce the amount of single-use plastic masks that end up in landfill.
Our reusable face masks are a perfect sustainable option, and will help protect you when out and about of in crowded places. To shop the collection, visit https://bagsofethics.org/.