Reading Buses mask-wearing and social distancing requirements end

However, everyone will still need to wear masks in hospitals and GP surgeries, local health chiefs have confirmed.

Most Covid-19 restrictions will be removed from Monday in England, including the legal requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport and social distancing as part of the so-called ‘Freedom Day’.

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Face coverings have been a legal requirement on public transport and in shops for more than a year but people will now only be ‘expected’ to wear them in crowded and enclosed spaces.

While Transport for London has chosen to continue requiring masks on London buses, trains and trams, face coverings will no longer be mandatory on Reading buses.

A spokesman for Reading Buses said: “We know that many of you will still want everyone to wear a face covering when travelling with us (and indeed, in many other areas) and we would encourage people to do so to help support and protect each other.

“We would like everyone who can, to continue to wear a face covering, even though, as seen below, all of our other measures help to keep the risk of infection low.

“Whilst wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread of the virus whilst in close contact with others, the government believe the link between the virus and serious illness or death has been weakened.

“For this reason, customers can choose not to wear a face covering on board our buses.”

PICTURED: Reading Buses

The statement on the Reading Buses website previously said the link between the virus and serious illness and death has been “broken” but this has now been corrected after the Chronicle raised concern about this inaccuracy.

Reading Buses says there has never been any evidence of virus transmission onboard buses during the pandemic, although studies suggest the risk may depend on where you sit and how long you travel.

The legal requirement for social distancing will also be lifted.

Capacity has been limited to around 50 per cent to allow for some form of social distancing.

But from today, Reading Buses will begin to operate at full capacity, meaning all seats can be used except those behind the driver and standing on buses will be allowed.

Reading Buses will continue to operate an enhanced cleaning regime and will continue to provide free hand sanitiser on board all buses and encourage customers to use it.

On routes that used to give change, the exact fare will still be required for now, but this will be reviewed.

Passengers will also be encouraged to leave the windows open on buses to allow air to circulate, which is proven to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Meanwhile the council says it has carried out local risk assessments in the context of the latest national guidance to ensure appropriate measures in put in place in each of its buildings from Monday.

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It says this will be different in each venue, depending on the activity that takes place and the individual characteristics of each building.

The council suggests people should meet outdoors as much as possible and wear a mask in indoor, crowded, or poorly-ventilated spaces.

It is also asking people to get vaccinated, book a test if they have symptoms, and isolate if they test positive or are asked to by NHS Test and Trace.