New guidelines mean face coverings must be worn in Nottingham City Council venues and a range of other new locations from Saturday 8 August 2020.
The list of places where face coverings are needed has been extended by the Government to include indoor venues such as museums, galleries, heritage sites and libraries.
Cinemas, theatres and community centres will also join the list that has previously included public transport and shops.
Covid-19 usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.
Alison Challenger, Director of Public Health in Nottingham City, said: “We’ve seen a rise in positive cases of Covid-19 in Nottingham, so it is important that we all take steps to stop the spread of the virus. We believe face coverings, when used with other preventative measures, will play a part in protecting people.
“As well as the new list of venues from the Government, people are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where people come into contact with people they do not normally meet.
“We know that this isn’t always easy – and face coverings are not always comfortable to wear, but covid-19 is still a threat to our health and wellbeing. We have to continue to remain vigilant and take every precaution possible to keep people safe in our communities.”
In Nottingham, council venues where face coverings must be worn include:
– Newstead Abbey
– Wollaton Hall
– Libraries
– Leisure centres
– Tourist attractions
A face covering should:
– cover the nose and mouth while allowing people to breathe comfortably
– fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
– be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
– be made of a material that is comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
– ideally include at least two layers of fabric
unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged
As face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer, from Covid-19, they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing. It is important to follow all the other advice including staying safe outside the home. A free Covid-19 test is available for anyone who has the following symptoms:
– a new continuous cough
– a high temperature
– a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste
Tests can be arranged by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website
The full list of new places where face coverings must be worn:
funeral directors
premises providing professional, legal or financial services
cinema
theatres
bingo halls
concert halls
museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites.
nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers – other than where necessary to remove for treatments
massage parlours
public areas in hotels and hostels
places of worship
libraries and public reading rooms
community centres
social clubs
tattoo and piercing parlours
indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities e.g. laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc)
storage and distribution facilities
veterinary services
auction houses
