People must now wear face masks on all East Midlands Railway trains

From today East Midlands Railway, which runs Sheffield station, are making face coverings while on public transport mandatory.

Passengers will now have to wear face masks from June 15 and onwards when using East Midlands Railway services or entering its stations.

It follows a government announcement earlier this month, where transport operators in England were told bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircraft passengers would be required wear face coverings while in public to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Social distancing signs and markings will also be in place at stations to help passengers keep a safe distance while travelling.

People will not be allowed to travel unless they are wearing a face mask on East Midlands trains and are also required to use one while at the station, before boarding.

Face covering rules don’t apply to children under 11 years old.

East Midlands Railway have encouraged travellers to be mindful of passengers with disabilities which may mean they are unable to wear face coverings.

The government is still advising people to continue working from home where possible and avoid public transport unless absolutely necessary.

However passengers who do need to use public transport are encouraged to book their journey prior to travelling online, aim to travel at quieter, off-peak times and continue to be considerate of other travellers and railway staff.

Managing Director at East Midlands Railway Will Rogers said: “Despite the easing of lockdown restrictions, the need for social distancing and responsible travel has not gone away.

“Wearing face coverings on trains will help to ensure that those who need to use public transport can do so with added confidence.

“Use of face coverings will boost the other measures EMR has worked hard to put in place across our network to keep people safe, like more thorough cleaning, improved information on potential crowding and one-way systems at busier stations.”