How to stay safe

Face coverings

You must wear a face covering (unless exempt) in the following indoor settings (a list of examples for each is included in the brackets):

Please note – some of these venues will be closed due to national restrictions from 5 November to 2 December

• public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses)
• taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs)
• transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
• shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
• shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
• auction houses
• premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink (see exemptions) from 24 September
• post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
• premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours)
• premises providing veterinary services
• visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)
• libraries and public reading rooms
• places of worship
• funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels)
• community centres, youth centres and social clubs
• exhibition halls and conference centres
• public areas in hotels and hostels
• storage and distribution facilities

You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it. 

You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Face coverings are needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are also advised to be worn in care homes.

For more information visit the government website. 


If you refuse to wear a face covering and do not have an exemption, a shop can refuse you entry and can call the police. The police have formal enforcement powers and can issue a fine of up to £100


Exemptions Include:


• Young children under the age of 11
  
• People with breathing difficulties
  
• People living with a disability
  

What is classed as a face covering

A face covering is anything that covers your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind your head. The government advises against using a surgical mask or high grade personal protective equipment as simple face coverings are sufficient for people in their day-to-day activities, and they want to ensure there is enough stock available for professionals such as health and care workers who need them.


Face covering guidance 


• By wearing a face covering you are helping to protect others and controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
• Face coverings can simply be a scarf or bandana, or if you feel creative you can make your own out of old t-shirts or fabric. Face coverings do not have to be surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment
• The key thing is that whatever you use covers both your mouth and nose and enables you to breathe safely. 
• Please remember to wash your hands before putting the face mask covering on and taking it off, as well as washing it often.
• It is really important that babies and toddlers under two do not wear a face covering. 
• It may stop them being able to breathe properly and we urge parents not to do this. 
• It's also important that anyone, young or old, who has a respiratory condition like asthma does not wear them. 
• If people choose not to, or cannot wear a face covering, they can still help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by making sure they are regularly washing their hands. 
  

Visitor attractions


From the 5 November – 2 December, some of our visitor attractions will have to close.

You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).

These are:

Parks and countryside

Public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotments

Playgrounds.

If you are visiting one of these places, please check in advance that it is open.

Council parks and playgrounds remain open for exercise but other amenities will be closed.

Find our more here https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-health-and-leisure/leisure-centres-and-facilities/parks-and-countryside


Outdoor play areas and parks

Play areas are open. 

Please remember the following to keep everyone safe: 

Stick with six - do not socialise with more than six people

Judge the risk of COVID-19 to you and your family before entering the play area

 Wash or sanitise your hands before and after using the play area and try not to touch your face while playing

Remember to social distance from people outside of your bubble

Supervise your children carefully 

Refrain from eating and drinking in the play area

If you or anyone in your family are showing symptoms of COVID-19 do not visit


Public Transport

 If you are using public transport please plan your journey. Services are running at limited capacity and you should allow more time as services may be full. 

You should pay by contactless, wash your hands before and after your journey and wear a face covering unless exempt. 


Plan your journey here https://wymetro.com/plan-a-journey/