Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the earliest date by which face coverings will no longer be (a) advised or (b) required to be worn in indoor public spaces by his Department.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 are set to remain in force until 24 July 2021 and these are kept under constant review. The Regulations also contain a review clause which means they must be reviewed before the end of six months from the date they came into force. This review is due to take place in advance of 24 January and will consider whether the requirements remain necessary and proportionate to protect public health and minimise the spread of COVID-19.