Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the latest guidance is on the wearing of face-coverings in non-legally required settings; and if he will provide clarity for people who are confused by the statement on the gov.uk website which states that in other indoor settings where a face covering is not legally required, you should still continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.

New regulations mean face coverings are now legally required in shops, shopping centres, transport hubs and on public transport, including taxis and private hire vehicles. The Government continues to recommend the wearing of face coverings in crowded, indoor places not covered by the regulations. The scientific evidence shows that face coverings can help to reduce transmission by reducing the amount of virus particles expelled by an infected person wearing a face covering and filtering the air a person wearing a face covering inhales. We will keep these measures under review.