Face Coverings

In settings where face coverings are required in Guernsey, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering.

Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. Some people are less able to wear face coverings, and the reasons for this may not be visible to others.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• children under the age of 12
• people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• people for whom putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
• people speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• to avoid the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
• police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

The mitigation with regard to face coverings should be considered in conjunction with the suite of mitigation available to members of the community. This includes considerations such as:

• Best form of protection is provided by the vaccines, including booster vaccination
• The use of LFTs on the day of any health and care appointments
• Ensuring handwashing and/or the use of hand sanitiser and other good hygiene measures
• Do not attend appointments, visit businesses or attend events if you have symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if you have had a negative LFT result
• Respect each other's personal space
• Vulnerable islanders should consider their own risk

In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth.

There are many types of face coverings available. Cloth face coverings and disposable face coverings work best if they are made with multiple layers (at least 2) and form a good fit around the nose and mouth. Face coverings should be made of a material that you find comfortable and breathable, such as cotton. Bandanas or religious garments may be used but are likely to be less effective if they do not fit securely around the face.

Face coverings are not classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) which is used in a limited number of settings to protect wearers against hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators used in medical and industrial settings.

Face coverings protect the wearer and others against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Find out more about the differences between surgical face masks, PPE face masks, and face coverings.

Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Face visors, shields and transparent face coverings

A face visor or shield may be worn in addition to a face covering but not instead of one. This is because face visors or shields do not adequately cover the nose and mouth, and do not filter airborne particles.

Transparent face coverings may be worn by those who communicate through lip-reading or facial expressions. In order to be most effective, a face covering should fit securely around the face to cover the nose and mouth and be made of a breathable material capable of filtering airborne particles.

In a small contained environment such as the cabin of a plane, the use of a face covering can prevent the spread of infectious droplets from an infected person to someone else. It can also prevent the potential contamination of the environment by these droplets. The use of a face covering does not remove the need to practice good respiratory hygiene.

Please check you travel providers requirements for wearing a face covering while travelling. 

We continue to recommend face coverings are used especially in enclosed spaces, in crowds or where there is poor ventilation.

Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes the coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Face coverings should be changed regularly (every 4 hours if possible or sooner if they become damp or if you have touched it).

Single-use face coverings should be disposed of carefully in a waste bin and not in the recycling.

Face coverings that can be laundered should be washed at 60 degrees, dried in a tumble drier (if possible) and ironed.