Residents urged to follow new rules on face coverings
23 Jul 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Residents and visitors to Northumberland are being urged to follow the new legislation around face coverings to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The new legislation that comes into effect from Friday 24 July makes wearing a face covering compulsory in shops and supermarkets.
Northumberland retail businesses are also being reminded of the new legislation for the safety of all customers and staff within local shops.
Children under the age of 11, as well as people with certain disabilities and medical conditions may be exempt from wearing a face covering.
Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council said: “The health and wellbeing of people across Northumberland is a priority for us, especially during Covid-19.
“It’s really important that we continue to keep ourselves safe. Even though the number of cases in Northumberland remains low, we mustn’t forget that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, and cases may well start to rise again if we’re not careful.
“All our residents need to be aware of and follow this new legislation unless they genuinely have a reason not to. Wearing a face covering in these situations will help to keep other people safe, and will also encourage those who have been shielding at home to venture out.
“It’s really important we all do our bit and act responsibly, and help to protect yourself, protect others, and ultimately protect Northumberland.”
It is also compulsory to wear a face covering when using public transport and visiting hospitals, unless exempt on medical grounds.
When used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others. Face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer from Covid-19, so they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.
It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus which can be found at here.
If you have recent onset of any symptoms of coronavirus, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia), you and your household must isolate at home - wearing a face covering does not change this.
For more information and advice around protecting yourself and others from Covid-19 please visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus