The move follows the decision by the UK government to make it mandatory to wear face masks in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July.
In Jersey, the wearing of cloth face coverings is currently ‘strongly recommended’ in public settings, particularly enclosed spaces such as shops.
A spokesperson for the Government of Jersey said Health Minister Richard Renouf ‘has asked STAC (the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee) to provide him with advice on whether there would be any benefits to making cloth masks compulsory in any specific settings’.
The current advice on the Government of Jersey website is that all Islanders should cover their mouth and nose with a scarf, snood, folded cloth or cloth mask when outside of home especially during shopping trips for essential supplies – this is not, however, a mandatory requirement.
It is also advised that a cloth mask is not a substitute for strict physical distancing or good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Additionally, cloth masks or nose and mouth coverings should not be used by children under two years old or anyone who has trouble breathing or who would not be able to remove the mask themselves.
