FACE coverings will be mandatory in Shropshire Council-run buildings from Saturday.

All visitors to council-run buildings will have to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and to protect the public and staff.

Rules have already been enforced to ensure people wear face coverings in supermarkets, shops, hospitals and on or in public transport settings.

This was extended to more places including museums, cinemas, theatres, libraries and places of worship.

The new rule makes mask-wearing mandatory in council-run buildings for everyone except children under the age of 11 and those with disabilities or health conditions, such as respiratory or health conditions, which may make it difficult to wear a mask.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change has urged residents to play their part in keeping the county safe.

He said: “As a council we have a duty to protect our staff and customers, so please remember to wear a face covering when you are visiting one of our buildings, unless you are not required to do so.

“While face coverings play an important role in protecting others, they are not designed to replace the other measures that help to stop the spread of the virus. That is why it is important to still follow the latest social distancing guidelines and practice good hand hygiene at all times.”

Face coverings will be mandatory in the following buildings:

  • Council buildings
  • Funeral directors
  • Premises providing professional, legal or financial services
  • Cinemas
  • Theatres
  • Bingo halls
  • Concert halls
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites
  • Hairdressers, barbers, and nail or beauty salons – other than where necessary to remove for treatments
  • Massage parlours
  • Public areas in hotels and hostels
  • Places of worship
  • Libraries and public reading rooms
  • Community centres
  • Social clubs
  • Tattoo and piercing parlours
  • Indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities eg laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc)
  • Storage and distribution facilities
  • Veterinary services
  • Auction houses