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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A pop-up ‘sunshine booth’ is landing in Manchester to combat winter blues
Emily Sergeant
A sunshine booth shining special SAD lighting is coming to Manchester this week to combat those winter blues.
As the rain continues to pour down outside and the colder days really begin to set in as autumn draws to a close, Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, says it’s on a mission to help the nation stay well this winter.
With the days getting shorter and darker, the average Brit will see around nine hours less of sunlight than in peak summer.
The drop in daylight, coupled with both the drop in temperature and the onset of the usual common cold season, can often be found to take a toll on our mental and physical wellbeing, leaving us feeling a little more dull than we’d like to be – which is why Holland & Barrett’s ‘Sunshine Booth’ will be popping up across UK high streets to brighten Brits’ winter wellness routines.
The brightly coloured Sunshine Booth has been crafted with expert lighting, using the lighting featured in SAD lamps.
A pop-up sunshine booth is landing in Manchester to combat winter blues / Credit: Pixnio
It’s designed to mimic effects of natural light to help customers feel relaxed and refreshed.
Landing inside Holland & Barrett’s store over at the Trafford Centre later this week, the retailer is inviting customers to pop in and spend up to 20 minutes inside the calming booth to ‘pause and recharge’.
Those looking to brighten their day can pop into Holland & Barrett at the Trafford Centre this Friday (7 November) to visit the Sunshine Booth, with no prior appointment or ticket required.
Not only that, but the first 10 customers who visit will receive a Holland & Barrett goody bag worth £50, packed with products to support winter wellness, boost your immune system, and provide you with additional energy.
Fancy it then? The Sunshine Booth will be in the Trafford Centre’s Holland & Barrett this Friday 7 November from 10am through to 8pm.
Featured Image – David Parry/PA Media Assignments (Supplied)
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Tens of thousands queue for exclusive new Selfridges Jellycat toy
Daisy Jackson
Selfridges has today unveiled a brand-new, exclusive Jellycat toy – and it’s proving so popular an online queue has had to be put in place.
At the time of writing, a whopping 28,000 people are currently in a virtual queue to purchase the adorable new Jellycat character, with a wait time of more than an hour.
Today, Selfridges debuted a world-exclusive toy for the department store – a plushie version of its iconic yellow bag.
The Jellycat Amuseables toy comes in a soft yellow fabric, with the signature Jellycat smile, plus corded handles and legs.
And it does function as a miniature bag too, perfect for storing other pieces from your collection.
It’s been launched to celebrate a milestone 25 years of partnership between the two brands.
The Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc Group
The Selfridges x Jellycat exclusive retails at £48 – and its price has done absolutely nothing to deter people from shopping.
As well as being stocked online, the Selfridges bag soft toy is available in store in Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, as well as in Birmingham and London.
Judd Crane, Selfridges Executive Director, Buying and Brand, said: “We are very proud to be part of Jellycat’s incredible story, as one of the brand’s first stockists, launching at Selfridges in 2000,” reports The Industry.Fashion.
The current queue on the Selfridges website for the Jellycat exclusive
“We have watched the Jellycat brand, and family, evolve as its loyal and inclusive community of fans and collectors continues to grow and grow. Twenty five years later, Jellycat is a firm favourite with our customers, who come to us for characters and experiences which make their day brighter.
“The Selfridges yellow bag is perhaps the most recognisable part of our brand personality, and we are excited be able to share it with Jellycat!”
You can pick up the Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag in-store and online from today.
To celebrate 25 years of @Jellycat and @Selfridges, there’s a brand new character on the shelf and she’s beautiful 🥹💛 📍 Available now at both Selfridges Exchange Square and Trafford Centre #manchester#selfridges#jellycat#jellycatcollection#manc
The Manc -
24th July 2020 
