Face coverings must be worn from Saturday

It will be enforceable by law with a £100 maximum fine for those who have been found not to comply without any evidence that they are exempt.

The States has said the new rule will help protect the community against Covid-19 because the nose and mouth are the main confirmed sources of transmission.

Face coverings will have to be worn in places such as shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, post offices, petrol stations, GP surgeries, plus public transport – buses and taxis.

Civil Contingencies Authority member Deputy Heidi Soulsby also strongly advised the use of masks in outdoor spaces too, dependent on context.

‘We recognise it is simply not practical to wear a face mask when exercising vigorously,’ she said. ‘The World Health Organization doesn’t recommend it, but we do ask in those circumstance to please keep your 2m distance from others.’

Other exemptions include all children under the age of 12, though it is recommended, and those in school of secondary age should wear one where appropriate.

There are also exemptions for those people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of physical or mental illness, impairment or disability, if it causes severe distress or if a person needs to speak or provide help to someone who relies on lip reading and facial expressions to communicate.

They need not be worn in an individual’s own car.

Suggestions for types of face coverings include reusable or single use, a scarf, bandana, religious garment or handmade cloth covering, but it must fit securely around the side of the face.

It must also be changed every four hours or earlier if it becomes damp.

States chief executive Paul Whitfield said: ‘Largely the community has embraced the wearing of masks, particularly in most retail food outlets, and indeed in adhering to the strong guidelines wearing them even outdoors in close proximity to others.

‘This is belt and braces, we are taking very seriously how contagious the virus can be. The thought is that actually we just need that final notch on the belt to make sure that people are really aware we are serious.

‘Please follow the rules, which are for everybody’s safety. If you qualify for one of the exemptions listed, we’re developing several ways to evidence that.’

This includes essential retailers stocking sunflower lanyards to show that people are exempt.

A card for people classed as exempt is being developed for them to carry in person or on their phone. This will be available soon from the covid19.gov.gg website.

He added that they were working with the third sector as well to distribute different coloured lanyards to members and service users who may have specific reasons for exemption.

A desk at Beau Sejour for exempt individuals to collect a lanyard has opened.

The lanyard and the exemption card will be on a trusted and Guernsey Together basis, with no legal requirement for people to carry a doctor’s letter, though it is encouraged if one is available.

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