COMPULSORY wearing of masks in public spaces like trains, buses, and shops was scrapped from January 26, 2022.

However, people are still advised to wear coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces such as the Tube.

When do we stop wearing face coverings?

From January 27, 2022, government rules state that face masks can be ditched in some settings.

This means that the Plan B measures announced by Boris Johnson in December 2021 after passing a parliament vote, have been lifted.

Mandatory face masks – one of the prongs of the Government's Plan B – had been in force for shops and public transport since November 30, 2021, to stem the rising tide of Omicron.

In January 2022, the Prime Minister announced the scrapping of almost all Covid restrictions.

Compulsory mask-wearing has largely been binned in shops and pubs, but is still advised in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.

Businesses and travel operators will be able to make their own rules on mask wearing – but without the hefty fines to enforce the measures.

Transport for London, for example, has said face masks will still be needed on its services, like the Underground and buses – unless they were medically exempt.

It comes after London Mayor Sadiq Khan slammed the decision to get rid of the mask mandate.

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Nationwide, mask rules are expected to stay on public transport, but will be recommended rather than enforced by law.

And supermarkets are expected to still advise customers to wear a face covering.

On January 21, 2022, the PM told schools to scrap masks in classrooms with them being ruled out of communal places from January 27, 2022.

Why do we need to wear face coverings?

Covid-19 spreads through droplets that are released when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, shouts or even speaks.

Face coverings should be worn to protect other people from coronavirus rather than the wearer.

They should cover your nose and mouth – the two confirmed main sources of transmission.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says that the use of face masks in public places may reduce the spread of infection in the community when they are worn by people who might not realise they are infected with the virus.

When should I still wear a face covering?

Generally, the advice is that you should wear a face mask when it's difficult to socially distance and where you come into contact with people you don't normally meet.

While there is now no legal obligation to wear a mask on public transport, it is strongly recommended that travellers continue to wear them.

Transport for London (TfL) has said passengers still need to wear one in stations and for the entire length of their journey.

Enforcement officers in London have the power to deny access or eject passengers who are found to not be complying with the mask requirement.

What were the fines if you didn't wear face coverings?

The government has confirmed that the wearing of coverings will largely become a personal choice rather than a legal requirement from January 27, 2022, and fines will no longer be enforced.

Prior to this cops and TfL could issue fines of £200 (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days) for the first offence.

Repeat offenders could have their fines doubled at each offence – up to a maximum punishment of £6,400.

Transport operators can also refuse access to services if a passenger is not wearing a mask.

Children under the age of 11 and people with breathing problems, mental illness, and/or physical disabilities are exempt from wearing masks.

Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.

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