Here’s where you can buy a face mask as UK Government changes laws to face coverings in public
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday (4 June) that wearing face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England from 15 June.
Those travelling on public transport in England should cover the mouth and nose and covering, with face covering including a scarf or bandanna.
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Hide AdMr Shapps said that surgical masks should be kept for clinical settings if possible and that travellers should wear the kind of face covering that could be made at home.
Although this only applies in England, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was also considering making it mandatory to wear face coverings in some situations.
Scotland currently recommends wearing coverings on public transport and in shops.
In Northern Ireland, people have been told to consider wearing face covering in places where they cannot observe social distancing. In Wales, face coverings have not yet been recommended for the general public.
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Hide AdWhere can I buy a face mask?
If you don’t have a face mask, but would like to buy one locally, there are plenty of places currently selling them. Here are some of them:
Lloyds Pharmacy
Lloyds Pharmacy is selling a range of masks, including a single cup fit mask for £3.99 and 3PLY disposable face masks pack of 10 for £9.99.
Boots
Boots’ range of face masks includes an elasticated 3PLY face mask 50 pack for £30.
However, the Boots website notes: “We currently stock two types of disposable face masks online. Our priority is always to ensure that those who need them have enough supply.
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Hide Ad“We have worked with the Government and Public Health England, as well as our partners in the Care Homes sector to give them access to stock, before we make them available to customers.”
Boots currently sells Elasticated 3PLY and Soft Loop 3PLY face masks. The chain adds, “We will be increasing our range of face coverings soon to include reusable masks and a wider selection of disposable masks”.
Superdrug
Superdrug is selling a pack of 50 Termin8 Disposable Medical face masks for £29.99.
Wilko
Wilko’s is selling these Filter Dust Mask 3 packs for £3.00. These dust masks feature a filter, elastic headband and metal nose clamp, providing a comfortable fit.
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Next is currently selling Hype Knit Face Masks for £22 for a two pack. They either come in black or orange. Stores are not open yet, so they are only available to order online.
Poundland
Poundland is selling Safety Masks 2 Pack for £1.00. Although these are “Ideal for most DIY use” they cover the nose and mouth and could be used for face coverings on public transport.
Wickes
Wickes also has a range of dust masks for sale, which could be used as face coverings and start at £1.25 each.
Should I wear surgical face masks?
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday (4 June) that wearing face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England from 15 June.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlthough this only applies in England, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was also considering making it mandatory to wear face coverings in some situations.
However, Mr Shapps said that surgical masks should be kept for clinical settings if possible and that travellers should wear the kind of face covering that could be made at home.
Those travelling on public transport should cover the mouth and nose and covering, with face covering including a scarf or bandanna.