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 the virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Currently, the best available scientific evidence is that when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others. Because face coverings are mainly intended to protect others, not the wearer, from coronavirus (COVID-19) they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.

Thus, if used correctly and by the majority of citizens in a community, a face covering is a powerful tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19 which can spread predominantly by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, if you touch a surface and then your face without washing your hands first. This is why social distancing, regular hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes is so important in controlling the spread of the virus.

Good Question! Although the UK Government has issued guidelines and set laws around the mandatory use of face coverings in public, there still seems to be a lot of confusion about when and where you must wear a face covering by law. For example, there is no universal face coverings guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries. Meanwhile, there are exemptions even in mandated areas for health, age or equality reasons.

Here is the latest advice on the UK.Gov website. In England, as of 8 August 2020, face coverings must be –  by law – worn in enclosed public spaces. This includes shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, building societies and post offices. It extends to railway and bus stations and airports. It also includes museums, galleries and cinemas and places of worship.

Measures can be taken if people do not comply with this law. Transport operators can deny service or direct someone to wear a face covering. If necessary, the police and Transport for London authorised officers can issue fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days).

Shops and supermarkets will be expected to encourage compliance with the law (as they would do more generally) and can refuse entry. In both cases, if necessary, the police have the powers to enforce these measures, including through issuing a fine of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days). The rules will be enforced by the police, not shop workers, and only ”as a last resort”.

There are exemptions. In settings where face coverings are mandated in England, there are some circumstances, whereby people are not expected to wear face coverings in these settings where it would be ”impractical” to do so. That includes restaurants, pubs, dentists, opticians and gyms. They are also optional in hairdressers and beauty salons.

Overall, you are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Urban Shield face masks are designed based on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO states that a face covering should:

1. Cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
2. Fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
3. Be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
4. Be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
5. Ideally include at least two layers of fabric or even three, depending on the fabric used
6. Unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged. Thus, tumble drying is not advised.

Urban Shield face masks check all of the above boxes.

Of course you can! Homemade masks for use in everyday situations are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, face covering should adhere to some simple rules in order to be effective in the fight against airborne pollutants and infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and not every home has access to sewing machines and bacteria fighting fabrics!

Instead, we have created the best mask possible from the science available to us that could be produced in bulk offering a safe, fashionable, comfortable and affordable solution for homes and businesses across the UK.