Masks to be worn on Public Transport

Mandatory to Wear Masks on Public Transport

Various lockdown measures are being lifted across the United Kingdom as COVID-19 infection numbers have dropped. But as some restrictions are eased, new compulsory rules have been put in place.

As more businesses have reopened their doors, people are relying on public transport to get to work. Due to the expected increase in passenger numbers there will be some new regulations and guidance. Starting on 15 June everyone on public transport in England will be required to wear a face covering or mask. All passengers on trains, buses, trams, coaches, ferries, and airplanes must wear a face covering.

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, told the BBC last week that face coverings are “a condition of travel.” Passengers that refuse to wear a face covering will be fined. Face coverings are to cover the nose and mouth. These extra precautions are needed to help protect the population against coronavirus.

Wearing face coverings in public is not yet mandatory in Scotland. But First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said in the daily briefing on 5 June that the “very strong advice is to wear a face covering when in shops or public transport” for the general population.

In a briefing last week Nicola Sturgeon said “I strongly encourage people to do it [wear face coverings].” There will be many more vulnerable people out in public again. Wearing face coverings is an easy way to help better protect yourself and others. Assume you have COVID-19 and are asymptomatic – wearing a face covering and keeping 2 metre distance will greatly help keep you from infecting others.

Wearing a face covering on public transport is especially beneficial since it may be difficult to keep the recommended 2 metre distance from others. Passengers should do their best to maintain physical distance. They will feel more assured with the added protection of wearing a face covering.

by Sarah Hobday, MBCI, CBCP Business Continuity Professional

Scotrail train