Face coverings now mandatory in all council buildings

Anyone visiting Dudley Council Plus, Dudley Council House, registry offices, libraries and reception points in any Dudley Council building must now wear a face covering.  

In addition to the law already in place on public transport, transport hubs, shops and supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks and building societies and post offices, it became law to wear face coverings in a large number of indoor settings in England on Saturday (8 August).

People are also reminded that they should continue to wear a face covering when visiting Castle and Crystal.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

Once again I wish to thank the hardworking and dedicated people of Dudley borough for all they continue to do to help us slow the spread of Covid-19. Face coverings help us all to keep each other safe.

Wearing a face covering in indoor spaces is another way we can protect ourselves and others, especially where social distancing is more difficult. I am therefore asking all visitors to do their bit by covering their face when visiting any council building, as well as continuing to practise good hand hygiene and social distancing wherever possible.

People should of course isolate and seek a test if you become symptomatic. There is lots of information on our web pages to get help and support during these challenging times.

The new law extends the rules already in place and now incorporates other indoor  settings: funeral directors, premises providing professional, legal or financial services, cinemas, theatres, bingo halls, concert halls, museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites. It also covers nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers, massage centres, public areas in hotels and hostels, places of worship, libraries and public reading rooms, community centres, social clubs, tattoo and piercing parlours, indoor entertainment venues, storage and distribution facilities, vets and auction houses.

Face coverings are required in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are advised to be worn in care homes, individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures.

The government also strongly encourages people to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where people could come into contact with others they do not normally meet.

People with specific health issues and disabilities are exempt, as are children aged 11 and under.

People can find out more about Dudley Council’s services at www.dudley.gov.uk and for the latest advice during the pandemic, including where face coverings are needed and exemptions at www.gov.uk/coronavirus