Face covering rules in the UK can vary from country to country and may change at any time so it is important to keep up to date with any changes, take look at GOV.UK for up to date guidance.

Wearing PPE can help protect yourself, staff and customers from potentially catching or spreading COVID-19:

• The pharmacy should maintain adequate supply of PPE for all pharmacy staff
• Consider supplying PPE to customers who attend for services

Guidance states as a minimum, pharmacists should be wearing a fluid resistant face covering to be able to administer flu vaccinations this year, but other forms of PPE such as aprons and gloves may also be worn.

Following government guidance members of the public should also wear PPE face coverings inside shops to help reduce viral transmission.

• Encourage members of the public to wear mask coverings where possible with signs and posters reminding them to wear a face covering.

Some members of the public may be exempt from face coverings, if they are exempt from wearing a face covering they should be encouraged to show their face covering exemption badge or card (pictured).  Customers exempt from wearing face-coverings include (but not limited to):

• Children under the age of 11
• People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability.
• Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• See link for further guidance on face coverings