Evidence shows that if people are in enclosed spaces, for example on a train or in a shop, face coverings can help protect people from both getting and transmitting coronavirus if most people wear one. Therefore, the Government previously said there are a number of situations and places when most people should be wearing one.
 

Rules on face coverings in England

Because of the success of the vaccine rollout, the Government has said that wearing a face covering will no longer be a legal requirement in most places in England from 19 July. It will instead become a “personal responsibility.” 19 July is the date that England moves to step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown.  

This means that if you have been wearing a face covering, you will not need to do so from 19 July. We know some people will continue to do so if they feel it makes them and the people around them safer. 

The legal requirement to wear a mask will be replaced with Government guidance that it “expects and recommends” that face coverings are worn in crowded and enclosed public spaces. If you are able to wear a face covering, it is a good idea to take one out with you even after 19 July in case this applies to somewhere you want to visit. 

We also know that some shops and businesses will continue to ask people to wear a face covering, especially if the business is busy. Not all businesses have made their decision available to the public yet, so it is a good idea to check their websites for further information. Some travel operators will also decide to recommend face coverings. 
 

Exemptions on face coverings in England

Many autistic people will be able to wear a face covering and we have heard from lots of people who previously prepared themselves to do so. But for some autistic people it is too hard to wear one. This might be because of the sensory differences autistic people experience which may mean they might become really distressed and want to remove their mask. So, there have been important exemptions in place for autistic people who struggle to wear a face covering. 

We have raised with the Government that even after 19 July, some businesses will continue to ask people to wear a face covering, while the Government itself has recommended that people wear one in busy, indoor spaces. We have asked the Government to reissue its previous guidance to businesses telling them that some people, including autistic people, will continue to be exempt from wearing a face covering.  

We have also told them that staff, the public and the police need to remember these exemptions so that you or the person you support aren’t challenged. Businesses or organisations aren’t able to discriminate against a person who cannot wear a mask, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. 

We have also produced an information sheet that you can share with anyone who asks you why you are not wearing a face covering and you can also download our I am autistic card. You do not have to prove to anyone you are autistic to be exempt but if you are challenged or harassed because you are not wearing a face covering, try and speak to a staff member or show them your I am autistic card. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe to do so you don't have to and you can report any incident like this to the police. It’s not okay for people, whether that’s the public or staff, to challenge people aggressively. 

Face coverings in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland 

In Wales, face coverings will remain mandatory on public transport and in health and social care settings, but a decision still needs to be made on the rules in shops.  

In Scotland, face coverings will remain mandatory after the nation lifts restrictions on 19 July. 

In Northern Ireland, the Government confirmed on 26 July that face coverings are still mandatory in all indoor settings.

Remember that if you are exempt, those exemptions will continue to apply and you can use the resources below. 
 

What to do if someone asks you why you’re not wearing a face covering

You do not need to prove that you are autistic to be exempt. But, we recommend you download and print our information sheet that you can share if you are asked why you are not wearing a face covering and you can also download our I am Autistic Card. 

• Download our information sheet
• Download our I am autistic card
• Download our My child is autistic card
• Download our This person is autistic card

If you are challenged and would prefer to use the non-branded exemption cards you can

• Download the exemption cards – print format
• Download the exemption cards – badge format
• Download the exemption cards - mobile format

If you are challenged or harassed because you are not wearing a face covering, try and speak to a staff member or show them your I am autistic card. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe to do so, you can report this to the police. It’s not okay for people, whether that’s the public or staff, to challenge people aggressively.

Individual places’ rules on face coverings

We have been hearing some businesses are going beyond the Government guidance and telling everyone they have to wear a face covering, even if it’s not an enclosed space. This is wrong – as they should be allowing you not to wear one as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.

If you want advice or are worried about these changes, you can find out more about what help and support is available.