Face covering information and practice policy

In England, face coverings are no longer required by law. The government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. However we would like to remind our patients that when visiting the Windrush Medical Practice we kindly ask that you continue to wear a face covering/mask to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We thank you for your understanding.

What is the difference between a face covering and a face mask?

The difference between face coverings and face masks

Face coverings are not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE), which is used in a limited number of settings to protect wearers against hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators used in medical and industrial settings. Find out more about the differences between surgical face masks, PPE face masks and face coverings

For more information go to: Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are not able to wear a face covering

Face coverings are no longer required by law in England, but remain a requirement under infection prevention control (IPC) guidance in healthcare settings.

There are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. Some people are less able to wear face coverings, and the reasons for this may not be visible to others.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• children under the age of 11 (the UK Health Security Agency does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• people for whom putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
• people speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• to avoid the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
• police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

Exemption cards

If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:

• you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
• you do not need to show an exemption card

This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering. However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering.

This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law. If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates.

You can then print these yourself or show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these templates in a more accessible format, please email publiccorrespondence@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please say what format you need the template in and what assistive technology you use.

For more information go to: Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)