Face coverings become mandatory on public transport in Wales

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, announced on Monday that face coverings would be mandatory on public transport in Wales from July 27.

And people in Wales are also asked to wear face coverings when taking taxis.

"For the sake of simplicity and consistency, as well as being part of our plan to help reduce the risk of transmission while on public transport where it is not always possible to maintain a two-meter physical distance, it will become mandatory for people to wear a three-layer face covering while travelling – this includes taxis," Drakeford said at the Welsh Government's daily press conference.

Wearing face covering is not yet mandatory in other public places like shops, but the rule could change if there is a spike in cases, he added. 

Scotland introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport on June 22 with exceptions only for children under age five and people with certain medical conditions.

While in England, masks are mandatory on public transport.

As a formal review is still underway on making masks compulsory in shops in England, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that people should wear masks in confined spaces such as shops.

(With input from agencies)