WEARING a face covering has now become part of our everyday life.

Some people are treating this as a new fashion accessory while others are being creative and using images or designs.

However, you choose to wear your fabric covering, scarf or bandana, there is an important underlying reason as to why people are being asked to do this – to protect others and stop the spread of coronavirus.

The move is being backed by Wiltshire Council. Its leader Philip Whitehead said: “It seems strange that every time we go out we now think keys, wallet, face covering. Such steps are vitally important if we are to defeat this virus.

“As face coverings become compulsory in more and more places from Saturday, we need to be mindful of others. Some disabilities are not immediately obvious so please act sensitively towards people who are not wearing face coverings and who may need additional support.

“When removing your face covering please store it in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash it. If the face covering is single use, dispose of it in a waste bin - do not put them in a recycling bin.

“Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitiser. The more we follow safety guidelines, the quicker we will get back to doing the things that we love with the ones that we love.”

These additional safety measures are designed to help stop the spread of the virus and ensure people feel more confident returning to local high streets to support local businesses.

It is already compulsory for, people visiting shops, supermarkets, banks, museums, libraries, as well as using public transport, to wear a mask covering the mouth and nose.

Shoppers may come across people not wearing a face covering and this may be because they are exempt. Anyone under the age of 11, or those with disabilities or hidden health conditions such as breathing difficulties, mental health conditions or autism are exempt.

These individuals are not required to prove they are exempt, and it is for them to choose how they wish to communicate this to others, if at all.

Face coverings are not required for staff in some indoor premises where face coverings have to be worn by members of the public. This is because staff are following guidance from their employer based on their health and safety assessment.

If screens or visors are in use, or staff are not in close proximity to people they do not normally meet, then they do not have to wear a face covering.

From Saturday, the places where we have to wear a face covering includes:

Funeral directors, premises providing professional, legal or financial services, cinemas, theatres, bingo and concert halls, museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural site, massage parlours, nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers (other than where necessary to remove for treatments), public areas in hotels and hostels, places of worship, libraries and public reading rooms, community centres and social clubs, tattoo and piercing parlours, indoor entertainment venues such as amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities, escape rooms, heritage sites, storage and distribution facilities, veterinary services and auction houses.