Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will provide guidance on the use of face masks for people with asthma.

The Government announced that from Friday 24 July, members of the public must wear a face covering when visiting a shop or supermarket in England. Guidance on how to wear and remove a face covering was published online at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

People do not have to wear a face covering if they have a legitimate reason not to. Those with disabilities or health conditions including breathing difficulties or other respiratory conditions are exempt from wearing a face covering, regardless of the venue. The list of exemptions is not exhaustive and would extend to someone who has a justifiable reason for not wearing one on the grounds of health or disability.

Messaging around exemptions is included as a key part of Government communications on when and how to wear a face covering. The Government also continues to engage with stakeholders and charities on the issue of exemptions to support these groups.