PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus: Protective Clothing (20 July 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which disabilities his Departments plans to exempt people from wearing a face covering in shops from 24 July 2020; and what processes will be put in place for people to prove they are exempt.

Asked by:
Ms Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour)

People do not need to wear a face covering if they have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

- not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability;

- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause the wearer severe distress; and

- if travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.

The list of exemptions is not exhaustive and would extend to someone who has a justifiable reason for not wearing one on the grounds of health or disability not outlined within the guidance.

Answered by:
Jo Churchill (Conservative)
18 August 2020