Face coverings for vet practice clients

Following the Prime Minister’s statement on 27 November, it will become compulsory to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport from 30 November in England (similar rules are already in force in the rest of the UK) unless exempt.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has indicated to us today that it considers veterinary practice premises to fall within the definition of ‘shops’ for the purposes of these regulations, meaning veterinary clients should wear face coverings on veterinary practice premises unless exempt.

We will update our Covid FAQs once Defra has confirmed any further guidance, and provide additional resources for practices to download and share with clients.