Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his current policy is on the wearing of face coverings in his (a) Department, (b) departmental agencies and (c) related bodies during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Department makes the wearing of face coverings in its offices optional other than when using the security access pods in 2 Marsham Street where one must be worn. We encourage people to wear face coverings in particular situations such as being in crowded or enclosed spaces or if asked to by a competent authority. Individual Arm’s Length Bodies determine their own policy with regard to wearing face coverings.

The QEII Conference Centre requires staff to wear face coverings in public areas of the building whilst all other bodies make wearing face coverings optional. The Department’s staff and those of our ALBs also follow the requirements of Landlords with regard to wearing face coverings in those buildings where they are a minor tenant.