BRITS have to wear masks in more places from today to stop the spread of a new Covid variant, so we’ve rounded up where you can buy one online.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions at the weekend making it compulsory to wear a mask in some indoor settings.
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There have been 14 confirmed cases of Omicron – the new Covid variant – detected in the UK so far.
The new rules on masks come as the government seek to slow down the spread of the mutant virus strain.
Scientific evidence shows face coverings can stop you passing coronavirus on to others if you are asymptomatic or have yet to develop symptoms.
Failure to wear a mask in shops or on public transport face a maximum fine of £6,400 from today.
From November 30, face masks are compulsory in:
- Public transport (trains, buses, trams, planes)
- Hairdressers and nail salons
- Banks and post offices
- Secondary schools and university communal spaces
- Driving lessons and tests
- Hospitals (staff, visitors and outpatients are all required to wear masks)
- Supermarkets and other shops
However, there won’t be a return to the level of mask wearing seen earlier in the pandemic.
You don’t have to wear a face covering in:
- Pubs and restaurants
- Cinemas and theatres
- Streets and parks
But what type should you buy, can you make your own and where can you buy them? We explain.
Where can you buy face masks online in the UK?
Many shops now have them in stock online in a range of colours and styles after initial high demand.
Just make sure to check delivery times beforehand as your order may be delayed due to the coronavirus.
Fabric reusable face coverings
- Buy from Aldi – prices start from £3.49 for a three-pack.
- Buy from Amazon – prices start from around £2 but delivery costs vary by seller
- Buy from Asos – the online store now has a huge range of face coverings starting from just £2
- Buy from Boots – the chemist chain is selling a wide range of face masks include this pack of three for £10
- Buy from eBay – prices start from around £1 plus delivery fees that vary by seller.
- Buy from Etsy – prices start from £2.55 including delivery.
- Home Bargains – Prices start from £1.98 each but delivery costs an extra £3.49.
- Buy from NEXT – prices start from £6 £3.99 delivery.
- Buy from Notonthehighstreet – prices from £2
- Buy from PrettyLittleThing – prices start from £2 on sale but delivery is £3.99 on top.
Disposable face masks
- Buy from B&M – from £2 for a pack of 25
- Buy from Boots – you can get 100 disposable masks for £25
- Buy from Superdrug – starting from £4.99 for a pack of 10. You can order and collect for free or get free delivery on orders over £15, otherwise it’s £3 delivery.
DIY dust/face masks and visors
- Buy from B&Q – from 50p each but that’s for a ten-pack costing £5 with free click and collect delivery
- Buy from Wickes – from £2 in store, free click and collect or £2.95 delivery.
Cycling masks
- Buy from Etsy – prices start from £2.50, including delivery
- Buy from Halfords – prices start from £5 with free click and collect delivery or £3.99 home delivery
- Buy from Wiggle – prices start from £2 plus £2.99 delivery
- Buy from ChainReactionCycles – prices start from £19.99 plus £2.99 delivery
What type of face mask should you buy?
The government has said that a face covering is “something which securely covers the nose and mouth”.
Cloth face covering s and disposable masks work best if they’re made with at least two layers, and have a good fit around your face.
You can use a bandana or religious garment, but these are less likely to be effective if they don’t fit your face properly.
Face coverings aren’t classified as PPE, like surgical masks or respirators which are used in medical and industrial settings.
A fabric face mask, DIY face mask (FFP1) or cycling mask from the shops are all a good option, or you could even make your own.
If you buy or make your own cloth mask they can be reused if you wash it thoroughly at over 60C.
Also read our information on the types of masks you can rewash.
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How to make a homemade mask
IF you’re unable to find a mask, you could make your own at home.
Homemade masks won’t offer the same level of protection as medical-grade ones, but it hasn’t stopped DIY tutorials popping up online.
One of the simplest ones involves using two layers of kitchen roll and one tissue cut in half.
You then cover each end with masking tape – and you can even tape down some wire to stiffen the mask, if you have any.
Finish by punching holes in each end and threading elastic through to fit around your ears.
If you don’t have elastic bands you could also use a hair tie.
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