Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to (a) provide transparent face coverings to front line service workers and (b) encourage workers required to wear a face covering, to wear something transparent, to help people who are deaf or rely on lip reading to communicate.

The Government is guided by the scientific evidence emerging in this area. Separately, clear face masks are being piloted in some health and social care settings and the lessons will be taken on board for future policy.

If workers are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate, they have a reasonable excuse to not wear a face covering. Employers must undertake risk assessments to ensure their business addresses the risks of COVID-19, using Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy guidance to inform decisions and control measures including social distancing rules and screens, which is available on GOV.UK.