Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for people with anxiety and claustrophobia adhering to the mandatory use of face coverings on public transport.

Whilst it is mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport, we recognise that reasonable measures are necessary for some people on health or disability grounds. In the guidance published, we have listed cases in which exemptions could apply.

The guidance published online states that you do not have to wear a face covering on public transport if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering. In addition, you do not have to wear a face covering on public transport if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress.