Do you need to wear a face mask on the London Underground?

In recent weeks it had once again been mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport and in shops – as well as indoor entertainment venues – following the introduction of ‘Plan B’ restrictions in the wake of the highly-infectious Covid-19 Omicron variant.

With case numbers now receding from the record highs they reached as the strain took hold, those measures have been scrapped and replaced by guidance which suggests you should continue to wear masks in crowded and indoor spaces.

But while the wearing of face coverings may no longer be law, that does not stop transport companies, shops, and other venues from imposing their own rules, and requesting that face coverings be worn.

With that in mind, will you need to wear one if you use the Tube in London?

Do you need to wear a face mask on the London Tube?

In spite of the rule changes around face coverings, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that passengers are still expected to wear face masks on the Tube – as they were expected to after rules were lifted in July.

However this is not legally enforceable, meaning staff can’t enlist the support of the British Transport Police in ensuring the rule is followed.

Mr Khan added: ‘I’m asking everyone in our capital to do the right thing and continue to wear a face covering when travelling on TfL services to keep us all protected and to prevent further restrictions from being necessary later down the line.’

A spokesperson for Mr Khan told the Independent that TFL staff would continue giving masks out and asking passengers to wear them, but added:  ‘We can stop people boarding, but this is a level down in terms of powers and is not the law anymore.

‘Police officers can’t fine people or prosecute them.’

As well as the Tube, masks will also be a requirement across the rest of Transport for London – including the Overground and buses.

While masks may no longer be mandatory, Boris Johnson emphasised that face coverings would still be recommended in certain circumstances.

Announcing the changes in the Commons, he said the Government will ‘continue to suggest the use of masks in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet’.

But the prime minister said he ‘would trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one’.

While the rule remains in place on the Tube, other transport companies may also have requirements around the wearing of face masks as a condition of travel.

If you are planning to travel somewhere by train, bus or another form of public transport you should check their rules around masks beforehand.

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