Make A Mask Workshop

How to make your own washable face covering

Mandatory face coverings are an increasing part of our daily lives. But with environmental concerns over disposable face masks, we have asked one of our online craft facilitators, Crafting With Blooms By Lyndsey to provide step by step instructions to make your own washable masks with items readily available at home, view them here.

For the latest Government guidance on what face coverings are, their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), the settings in which they are recommended, and how they should be safely used and stored visit their website here.

This information relates to the use of face coverings in public spaces where social distancing is not always possible. It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) including staying safe outside your home.

When you wear a face covering, it is crucial to use it properly and make sure it fits well, otherwise you could end up increasing your risk of infection. For more information on this and the following:

• What you need to know about wearing a face mask
• Buying a face mask
• The best material for face masks
• How to use a face mask properly
• How to wash a face mask
• Read this article from Which? here

When you do not need to wear a face covering

The Government advises that in settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people (which might include yourself or the person you care for) are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• Employees of indoor settings (or people acting on their behalf, such as someone leading part of a prayer service) or transport workers (see section 6) – although employers may consider their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidelines
• Police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
• Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• If you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others – including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity

This information is correct at the time of print, for further information visit the Government website here.

If you or the person you care for would feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering you can buy an exemption lanyard and exemption card from Hidden Disabilities here.