Face covering guidance
The Government is advising that people should try to wear a face covering more often.
There's a lot going on at the moment, but one of the things that's making people anxious is how they will do their shopping. We've put together some information about when, where and how you can get the essentials you need – and whether you should be going out to do it at all.
Yes you can go shopping for essential goods, however if you’re considered clinically vulnerable (e.g. you are over 70) then you should take extra care and may want to consider some of the following:
If you’re considered clinically extremely vulnerable or were previously advised to shield, then during the national lockdown you are advised not to go to the shops. You should speak to friends, family and neighbours to see whether they can support you to get what you need. You can also consider online and telephone delivery options and the letter you receive outlining the new guidance will indicate how you can receive support from your local council including access to priority supermarket delivery slots. If you already have a priority delivery slot, then this will continue.
You shouldn’t be going shopping if you fall into any of the categories below:
Non-essential retail will be closed during the national lockdown in England. However, the following shops and businesses are allowed to remain open:
The Government have published this information on what options are available if you can’t leave your home to shop. It includes both online and telephone delivery service options and outlines what different organisations are doing to support you.
Several large supermarket chains have introduced measures to support older people to get the supplies they need, such as protected shopping hours, priority delivery slots and restrictions on purchasing some goods to prevent stockpiling. Remember that unless you’re exempt it’s compulsory to wear a face-covering in shops.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable and so have been advised not to go to shops and had a priority supermarket delivery slot these will continue. If you need more support to get the supplies you need then you can register for support from your local council here. This could include being provided a priority supermarket delivery slot.
It's now mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops, supermarkets and shopping centres.
However these rules do not apply to everyone and you do not need to wear a face covering if you or the person you care for:
This list of exemptions is not exhaustive. You don't have to wear a face-covering if you have justifiable reasons for not wearing one, due to your health or disability.
It may not always be clear why someone is not wearing a face covering, so it's important to be respectful of those who aren't.
For more information on face coverings, including the suitability of certain masks, when else you may need to wear one and where you can get them from see our face coverings advice here.
If you’re not able to go out for essential supplies because you’re self-isolating or shielding and can’t get support from others, you can use the following options for support:
UK Finance have lots of information on their website about different ways you can pay for your shopping. Including a tool to find the best option for you. You can find this information here.
The Government is advising that people should try to wear a face covering more often.
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