From Friday 24th July under the powers afforded by the Coronavirus Act 2020 it will become Mandatory (a legal requirement as opposed to guidance) to wear face coverings in ALL retail outlets. As an individual, this is enforceable by the police with a fine of upto £100 if not complied with. As a business this in enforceable by the Local Authority through fines and/or an order to cease trading.

There are some exclusion to the requirement as follows:

• young children under the age of 11

• 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 you severe distress

• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate

• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others

• to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you

• to eat or drink, but only if you need to

• to take medication

• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

You should be aware that any business has the right to refuse entry/service where a face covering is not worn.

We really hope this helps to clarify the legal position, more info can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Whilst it is true that face coverings cannot prevent you from contracting the virus, there is firm scientific evidence which confirms that face coverings prevent you from spreading the virus - ultimately, if we all comply, this amounts to the same thing, if we can't spread it, we can't catch it!

If you can wear a mask give some thought to doing so, to protect others, to avoid businesses being forced to closed, but most of all to avoid a regional lock down

Regards the Team at Englefield Garden Centre.

Read more about Affinity Trust