Whether you are shopping in the city, attending university or college, visiting your GP or enjoying the public spaces that York has to offer, we want to ensure that everyone is taking part in the 'We've got it covered' safety message. This encourages the important ways to help keep you and those around you safe:

• Face coverings
• Hand washing
• Social distancing of at least 2m
• Staying at home and getting tested if you think you have symptoms 

The above safety measures are in place in a number of recognisable settings across the City of York, including GP practices, care homes, schools, university, college, public spaces, public transport, retail outlets, hairdressers, restaurants, canteens/kitchens and libraries.

'We've got it covered' - Face coverings

There is growing evidence that face coverings can stop the spread of coronavirus and it has become compulsory/UK Law to wear them in many settings across the city including supermarkets, shops and public transport. 'We've got it covered' encourages you to wear a face covering when appropriate to do so as it will reduce the likelihood of transmitting any infections.

Importantly, those exempt from wearing a face covering, should not face discrimination from other members of the public or retail staff. This includes not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.

In the UK, you do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

• young children under the age of 11
• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
• to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
• to eat or drink, but only if you need to
• to take medication
• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

• If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification
• If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication

We have created a document with cards which can be cut out and kept to explain reasons why you may be exempt from wearing a face covering. Please download this PDF.

'We've got it covered' - Hand washing 

It's more important than ever to keep your hands clean, especially when out and about in the city.

'We've got it covered' - Social distancing 

We encourage that you try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble). Especially if you are exempt from wearing a mask or have a legitimate reason not to wear one as listed above. 

Where you can’t socially distance easily please wear a face covering if you can.

More information on social distancing guidelines and support bubbles can be found on the NHS website.

'We've got it covered' - Got symptoms? Book a test

Importantly, if you think you have conronavirus symptoms; a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss/ change in sense of taste or smell, you must stay at home and book a test via the NHS website test page immediately.

City of York partnership

Partners such as NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, City of York Council, York University and First Bus services are working together to support York residents in knowing what precautions to take and when, to keep themselves and others safe.

We want you to feel supported, inspired and reassured that the City of York is a safe place and that by by following hand washing guidelines, wearing a face covering when appropriate, social distancing as recommended and getting tested if you have symptoms encourages this. 

Please join us in this 'We've got it covered' message to keep you and the City of York safe. You can download these frames to use on your own social media platforms to promote this.

A press release was issued by city partners and can be read in full here.