The requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to:
- a child under the age of 11
- passengers in an allocated cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, when they are alone or with members of their household or support bubble
- passengers who remain in their private vehicle while on board public transport, for example on a car ferry
- an employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment
- any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator, who is providing those services
- a constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty
- an emergency responder such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
- an official, for example a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties
You also do not need to wear a face covering if you have a good reason not to. This includes:
- if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
- f putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
- if you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- if you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do.
If you have any queries regarding exemptions, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings
This is a public health rule that cannot be gone against by a GP.