The UK government has now issued official face mask ‘exemption cards’ to which those exempt from wearing one can present when challenged in shops and supermarkets.
Under these new regulations, fines of up to £100 can be enforced by police officers for those whole fail to comply, and this fine will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Face coverings must cover the mouth and nose at all times.
The guidance on face coverings in England is changing.
From 24 July, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets, as well as on public transport.
According to official government guidance, the following are exempt from wearing face masks/coverings:
A child under the age of 11.
An employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment.
Any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator, who is providing those services.
A constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty.
An emergency responder, such as a paramedic or fire officer, acting in the course of their duty.
An official, for example, a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties.
If you are allocated a cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, at any time when you are in that accommodation, either alone, or only with members of your own household or a linked household.
If you are onboard public transport but remain in your private vehicle, eg: on a car ferry.
Now, government health officials have released a number of official exemption cards that can be shown by the above upon any challenging of why they are not wearing a face covering whilst in enclosed public spaces.
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The standard exemption card template says – “I am exempt from wearing a face covering” – and can be worn by those exempt as a badge, or shown on their phone, and another template – designed to help lip-readers who are allowed to ask people to remove their face covering under the law – says “Please remove your face covering so I can understand you better”.
gov.uk
The release of the exemption cards comes after a number of unofficial copies were seen circulating online, or had been issued out by charities over recent weeks.
The government has faced criticism for failing to produce an official card prior to this release.
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James Taylor, of disability charity Scope, stated yesterday that: “in recent weeks, we’ve heard from disabled people who’ve been challenged over not wearing a face covering while using public transport, causing much distress and anxiety. The government must make it really clear to everyone that disabled people who cannot safely wear face coverings are exempt.”
“Disabled people and their needs have been routinely forgotten throughout this crisis [and] if disabled people’s needs are ignored, society risks turning the clock back on equality.”
It has also been confirmed that whilst official exemption cards have now been released, those that are exempt from wearing a face covering are not required to carry the card with them at all times. If they chose not to carry it though, this could mean they face the same penalty charges if challenged on the matter.
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For further information and guidance amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do refer to official sources via gov.uk/coronavirus.
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You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
The Manc -
24th July 2020 
