In line with new government guidance, face coverings must be worn for the full duration of journeys on the public transport network from Monday 15 June.
Despite earlier advice when coronavirus first hit the nation, the latest scientific evidence says that face coverings can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and infecting others.
To assist customers travelling by Tube or bus, TfL is piloting temporary distribution of face masks at targeted stations.
Face coverings can be a simple cloth that covers the nose and mouth made from household items, or they can be purchased at certain shops. Online resources are available to help people make their own, including at www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/face-covering-guidance
TfL’s distribution of face coverings, which should be used once over a single journey, will start this coming Monday 8 June and is expected to run over the next couple of weeks – with volunteers from TfL and the Greater London Authority (GLA) safely distributing them to customers who need them.
Government has reaffirned that people should convintue to work from home where possible and avoid public transport except for essential journeys that cannot be made by other means.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I encourage anyone travelling on public transport, or anywhere you can’t keep a safe two-metre distance, to wear a face covering, but from Monday 15 June, everyone must wear a covering over their nose and mouth for the entirety of any journeys made using the public transport network. This will be mandatory and will help everyone be safer.”
