Face coverings will no longer be compulsory on buses from Thursday, Reading Buses announced.

The bus company said they still encourage customers to wear a face covering on busy journeys.

The change comes as the Government scraps plan B restrictions in England.

“We shall continue to rely on the goodwill of customers to be respectful to each other as face coverings become a personal choice for each traveller,” said Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams.

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“Our buses are clean and safe and we encourage customers to open windows to provide extra ventilation. It is worth remembering that there is usually plenty of space upstairs on double deck buses too.

“The physical separation of the driver will continue to be in place as our buses have a perspex screen between the driver and customers.”

He added: “Already, more people have decided to go back to the office by bus rather than working from home. We want to welcome everybody back to avoid worsening traffic congestion.

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Working from the office was permitted from Thursday, January 20, and mask mandates were dropped in schools and colleges.

Shoppers will not be required to wear masks in anywhere in England from January 27, though the Government ‘suggests’ you do in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

You’ll also no longer need to show your NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.

Last Monday, January 17, residents with Covid were told they can stop self-isolating at the start of day six if they get two negative rapid lateral flow test results on days five and six and do not have a temperature.

If either test is positive, they must wait until the next day before testing again