Face masks: Where and when do I have to wear one? Plus how to make your own

Ahead of the new UK Government regulations, which come into force on June 15, here's everything you need to know about the use of masks and coverings.

What is a face covering?

Face coverings are not the same as face masks. The UK Government has stated that coverings can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items, so long as they cover the mouth and nose.

They should allow the wearer to breathe comfortably and be tied behind the head to provide a “snug fit”.

Officials have said people can make their own coverings at home using T-shirts or cotton fabric and string.

Why are they being recommended?

The UK Government states that, while wearing a face covering does not protect the wearer, it may protect others if people are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.

People wearing a covering should wash their hands before putting it on and after taking it off.

It should also be washed regularly in the laundry with detergent, the UK Government said.

What about face masks?

People have been asked not to use medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) masks to ensure these remain available for frontline health staff.

However, several airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair have introduced a requirement for passengers to wear face masks.

Are the changes effective immediately?

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told a Downing Street press conference on Thursday that the changes would become mandatory from June 15.

How will it be enforced?

While announcing the measures, Mr Shapps told reporters that it will be enforced by transport operators and British Transport Police “if necessary”.

He said that changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses, adding: “This will mean that you can be refused travel if you don’t comply and you could be fined.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Breakfast the policy would rely a lot on “positive peer pressure” but urged commuters not to “take the law into your own hands” if they saw people without face coverings and speak to a member of staff instead.

Are there any exemptions?

There will be exemptions to the rules for very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.

What if I’m travelling on a train from Wales or Scotland to England?

Mr Shapps has suggested that passengers on trains starting outside England may have to put on coverings when crossing the border.

He said it would be up to Scotland and Wales to issue their own guidance. But earlier on Thursday, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that her government is “considering making it mandatory” to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops.

Where else should they be worn?

Current advice is for face coverings to be worn in enclosed spaces, which also includes some shops, however this is not yet compulsory.

Mr Shapps told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that this is because there was less interaction between people in retail stores.

He said: “But on public transport you could be next to somebody for 10, 20 or 30 minutes, so there is a much larger chance of being close to somebody for a longer period of time.”

People are not being told to wear coverings outdoors, while exercising, in schools or offices.

If I develop Covid-19 symptoms, can I still go out if I wear a mask or covering?

No. People with coronavirus symptoms and their household should isolate at home.

How can I make my own?

Here's how to make one using a t-shirt.

You will need:

• An old T-shirt that you do not want anymore (ideally size small or extra small)
• Scissors

Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.

Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.

Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.

Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.

Here's how to make a sewn cloth face covering.

You will need:

• Two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
• Two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
• Needle and thread
• Scissors

Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.

Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.

Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.

If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.

Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.

What is the science?

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) thinks the evidence of masks preventing the spread of infection from one person to another is “marginal but positive”.

The World Health Organisation has stressed that there is no evidence that wearing a mask – whether medical or other types – by healthy persons in the wider community can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses, including Covid-19.

Are there any downsides to using face coverings?

Concerns have been raised that they could give a false sense of security and mean that people are less stringent with other preventative measures such as social distancing and hand hygiene.