Wearing a mask or face covering

This page is written in an accessible format.

Always follow the latest government coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance.

There are different rules depending on where you live.

Check the information in your area.

Click on the blue link below.

We recommend wearing a mask or face covering if possible.

Evidence shows that the following can help stop the spread of coronavirus.

After a stroke you may have difficulty wearing a mask or face covering.

Watch this YouTube video to see how to apply a mask or face-covering with one hand.

A mask or face covering makes lip reading or facial expressions unclear.

This can affect people differently including:

Some groups are exempt from face coverings or masks, including:

We know people are worried and confused about the new rules.

If wearing a mask is difficult for you following a stroke you may want to use an exemption card.

Many organisations have exemption cards that you can download and take out with you.

We have shared three examples below:

As lockdown eases we will resume face-to-face support for a small amount of stroke survivors.

We will be prioritising people who are unable to receive support virtually or over the telephone.

We will provide clear facemasks for our staff to use when they’re delivering face-to-face support to people with communication difficulties.

If you are supporting someone who has had a stroke, you may find a clear facemask is beneficial.

The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists is supportive of clear face masks where appropriate.