'Cover your face if you can': Advice from Wakefield's public health team

The district's public health team is backing the government in advising the measure, which can help minimise the risk of infecting others.

They say the precaution should be used in shops and on public transport if possible.

Babies, toddlers and people with breathing problems, however, should not be made to wear a mask or have their faces covered.

Wakefield's director of public health, Anna Hartley, said: "By wearing a face covering you are helping to protect others and controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

“Face coverings can simply be a scarf or bandana, or if you feel creative you can make your own out of old T-shirts or fabric.

"The key thing is that whatever you use covers both your mouth and nose and enables you to breathe safely. Please remember to wash your hands before putting the face mask covering on and taking it off, as well as washing it often."

"However, babies and toddlers under two must not wear a face covering. It may stop them being able to breathe properly and I urge parents not to do this. It’s also important that anyone, young or old, who has a respiratory condition like asthma does not wear them."

Face coverings can sometimes be difficult for younger children to manage without help too so if this is the case it is better not to wear them.”

Those who either can't or choose not to wear a mask are still advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and hot water.

Local Democracy Reporting Service