Face masks become mandatory in Wales when travelling in taxis from today

Image credit: Pixabay remixed

Face masks are now mandatory in taxis and other modes of transport in Wales under a new rule which was announced on 13 July.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announced the news, saying: "For the sake of simplicity and consistency, as well as being part of our plan to help reduce the risk of transmission while on public transport where it is not always possible to maintain a 2m physical distance, it will become mandatory for people to wear a three-layer face covering while travelling – this includes taxis.”

Face coverings were made mandatory in England on 15 June for anyone travelling on public transport, but unlike in Wales taxis were not included, although it was advised. The advice to anyone wearing a face mask is to make sure it covers the nose, mouth, and chin and is secured with elastic loops or ties, include multiple layers, be washable and reusable.

Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price MS, has previously warned that a slow and cautious approach to making the wearing of face masks mandatory “risks public health”.