To say if they mandate mask wearing they need to ensure some way for the exempt from masks to prove it?

[BuffaloCauliflower]

I am not anti-masks at all, I can see they are often very useful tools in infection control when used correctly (though it doesn’t seem they are by many people) but as someone ‘officially exempt’ from wearing them - in my case due to asthma - I’m increasingly panicked at the thought they’ll be made mandatory in shops and other places.

I have been able to avoid public transport thankfully due to furlough/wfh but I’ve wanted to shop, help the economy etc. and I fear I’ll have to stay away completely if masks are mandatory because I don’t think my exemption would be believed, or that I wouldn’t have people having a go at me for being out without a mask. I’ve tried many times to wear them and they make my symptoms (already far worse than usual due to pregnancy) ramp up even more. It’s very distressing, especially as it causes coughing, and I’m then removing the mask (touching the mask and my face, definitely not mask best practice) repeatedly to try and regulate my breathing. I’m following all other guidance sensibly, lots of hand washing, keeping my distance from others when out, but all things considered I think I’m more risk to others in a mask than without one should I be carrying CV.

I am very worried that despite being exempt I have no way to prove it to shops or other businesses. I carry my inhalers but that relies on others understanding, the government have previously said there won’t be anything official to prove exemption, though public transport companies have come up with different options (I’ve printed the TfL card just in case, but technically anyone could do this as it’s not verified) I’ve already been told once that someone ‘didn’t agree’ with exemptions to mask wearing and I should basically suck it up. People who want to be mean won’t check for exemption before having a go I’m sure of it.

But at the very least shouldn’t they ensure there’s some official way I could prove my exemption, a letter or card I could apply for from my doctor perhaps, that’s recognisable to others so I’m not at risk of not being believed or being yelled at? There are many people who will be in the some position.

Masks are mandatory when using public transport in my country. I just checked and there are no exemptions, not even for medical reasons. No mask=no transport.

Well, personally, I'm glad I live in a country that at least goes someway to recognise that wearing a mask isn't always possible for those with disabilities, and that still allows those people to access transport, get to work and buy themselves food and other necessities.

The problem with blanket rules like "no mask, no entry" is that you're alienating the most vulnerable people in society. Lots of people with autism won't feel comfortable "asserting themselves" and arguing for their right to enter shops without masks. They just won't go out.

But from reading threads like this, it seems a lot of people would be happy for those who aren't neuro-typical or who have disabilities to be shut away from society for months on end

@Meredithgrey1

But I’m also convinced that there are a lot of people, including on this thread, who claim they can’t wear masks, when in fact they could wear them if they trained themselves to, with breathing exercises and/or therapy to desensitise themselves or deal with PTSD.

I agree that people should try (I have a condition that is listed as an exemption, but I personally can tolerate wearing masks for the duration of a trip to the supermarket, but not much longer) but suggesting therapy is totally unrealistic. Firstly, masks are being made mandatory in 10 days, even if you could access a therapist and they could help you, it won't be anytime soon. Secondly, therapy is hard to access either due to being expensive or due to waiting times (the NHS isn't going to send you to a therapist because you can't wear a mask).

I understand that therapy/counselling is a long term thing, and people may not be ready to wear face masks in 10 days. But what if masks are required to be worn long term? I don’t think this is a far fetched scenario - I think it is quite possible that the mandates will stay in place for months or even years.

As such, people should adapt to wearing them as soon as possible.

It’s funny how we never see people walking around stark naked or barefoot around shops, claiming they can’t wear clothes/shoes because of sensory issues. You have to start thinking of masks the same way.

As such, people should adapt to wearing them as soon as possible

I’ve had counselling for my issues, it didn’t help. I tried to access more support when it looked like face coverings would be necessary, sadly due to covid no referrals are being made.
I tried.
It’s ok for me, I just won’t go in shops or on public transport. I have no real need to, and can keep that up for years if needs be. Not so easy for those who need public transport for work etc.

[quote m0therofdragons]@BamboozledandBefuddled a few people not wearing them is fine but judging by mn the majority of people feel exempt. Asthma is not a reason not to wear a mask. I’m asthmatic and work in a hospital. All patients have to wear them and they do - we’ve has nobody refuse which is amazing judging by here.[/quote]
No, you - and others like you - persistently miss the point being made. I believe it's deliberate. The law provides for exemption on various grounds. There will also be people who choose to break the law - I would never deny that. The issue is that it is not down to the general public to police which category people are in. You do not accept that anyone with asthma should be exempt. Other people do not agree that COPD should be exempt. Or PTSD. Or claustrophobia. Or skin conditions. So clearly, none of you would be content with simply being told 'I have a medical condition'. You would want to know what condition so that you could decide if they were justified in not wearing a mask in your opinion. The same would apply to people wearing a visible indicator of their exemption - again, this would not be enough for you and your kind, as it would not give sufficient information for you to judge. Of course the exemption will be abused but yet again, it will be the people who are doing nothing wrong who are targeted, abused and intimated. And you want me to 'protect' you. Give me one reason why I would bother.

Just a little off point but just because you have a condition which could make you exempt doesn't mean you don't need to wear one. My sons are autistic and they will be wearing masks as they can tolerate them, they can't tolerate them for long but long enough to get round a shop or in their taxi to school with children they are not in a bubble with at school.

Remember viruses, can not read your lanyard and fabric masks are not perfect the safety comes from you protecting others and they protect you.

It’s funny how we never see people walking around stark naked or barefoot around shops, claiming they can’t wear clothes/shoes because of sensory issues. You have to start thinking of masks the same way.

Another example of the real ignorance that surrounds people with autism. A lot of people really do struggle with wearing certain clothes - but they adapt by wearing clothes that are far too big, or by wearing clothes with elasticated waistbands, or in certain fabrics.

You can't tell someone to "just think of it like this" and to basically "get over it". All statements like this do is alienate people even further. Maybe you should just count yourself lucky that you can go out, go to the shops, go to work and take the bus without panicking about it. Just appreciate how damn fortunate you are to be healthy and "normal" and able to wear fabric over your nose and mouth on a daily basis.

But in the meantime, maybe spare a thought for people whose lives are going to be restricted even further because of their disabilities? It's so fucking arrogant to just assume people can get used to it. If you think everyone should wear a mask, no exceptions, then you're advocating for people who aren't neuro-typical or who have disabilities to be shut out from society for something that isn't their fault. I thought we'd moved on from that?

Face masks should not be used by infants, those who have trouble breathing, or who are unable to remove the mask without assistance.

japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/a-diy-guide-to-making-alternative-face-masks

@workercovid

Just a little off point but just because you have a condition which could make you exempt doesn't mean you don't need to wear one. My sons are autistic and they will be wearing masks as they can tolerate them, they can't tolerate them for long but long enough to get round a shop or in their taxi to school with children they are not in a bubble with at school.

Remember viruses, can not read your lanyard and fabric masks are not perfect the safety comes from you protecting others and they protect you.

Well said

There is a big difference between the “can’t wear a mask for legitimate medical reasons” and “I hate wearing a mask because it makes me feel uncomfortable”. Having spent time in the Far East the latter isn’t even a consideration. It’s simply accepted that if you need to wear a mask you just Get over yourself and wear one.

@workercovid

Just a little off point but just because you have a condition which could make you exempt doesn't mean you don't need to wear one. My sons are autistic and they will be wearing masks as they can tolerate them, they can't tolerate them for long but long enough to get round a shop or in their taxi to school with children they are not in a bubble with at school.

Remember viruses, can not read your lanyard and fabric masks are not perfect the safety comes from you protecting others and they protect you.

Oh wow until now I didn't realise that even when you are exempt from something you still have a choice 🙄

This isn't going to end well...

@Ghostlyglow

This isn't going to end well...

It isn't, is it? I think this 'debate' (using the word loosely) is really just one of several symptoms of something extremely unpleasant underlying our society. It's very disturbing.

@BamboozledandBefuddled divide and conquer. Works every time

@GreytExpectations

If they decide to list the conditions that are exempt and what I have isn't on it, that's effectively banned me from shops as I don't particularly want a hundred quid fine from an over zealous plod.

There will likly be medical advice and research into which conditions are exempt so if yours isn't on there then there will be a good reason. Also, retail staff sadly can't enforce it and will likly have to deal with abuse from customers who refuse to comply because they don't feel its "nessesary" and its unlikely the police will be called with every single customer who refuses so I'm sure you and unfortunately many others will get away with not wearing the face covering and not protecting others. I feel bad for the clinically high risk people.

Get away with it?? I don't want to get away with anything, if I could wear one I would! I actually can't wear one, or should I say can, but would be on my knees in pain within a minute.

Ah the clinically high risk. Yep I fall in to that category.

I'm not surprised these "debates" attract the unpleasant anymore. And the pity party that those with health conditions don't care about other people's health

Yea they can jog right on, people with disabilities and other health issues have been begging forever for some consideration.

Stay at home seems to be the message, so if you cannot cope with other people doing their own thing, do us all a favour and stay home.

And what is with the faux concern about the clinically high risk?

Many will be. omg. exempt and will be making their own choice in how they want to further protect their heath from these things. Those same choices they had to make when the kid with the flu, stomach bug, impetigo and countless other things was sent into school.

I have an invisibility and Covid has played merry hell with it as will wearing a mask but for public safety I either stay home or when I'm shopping wear a mask, it really is that simple

and buy themselves food and other necessities.

I wish someone would hurry up and invent the internet so that we can order food online

I urge the posters who are trying to encourage certain posters to wear masks to give up clearly theres a million and one reasons why they cant and any helpful suggestion is met with the usual Godwins or some other arbitrary reason why they obviously cant and we should all just accept that because reasons and the attitude of 'I have a disability so you cant question me neener neener neener' I look forward to more Karen's and masks youtube content

@crumpet

There is a big difference between the “can’t wear a mask for legitimate medical reasons” and “I hate wearing a mask because it makes me feel uncomfortable”. Having spent time in the Far East the latter isn’t even a consideration. It’s simply accepted that if you need to wear a mask you just Get over yourself and wear one.

Completely agree with this. Yes, if you can't wear a mask for a legitimate (diagnosed by GP) condition than that's understood but based on this thread and others it seems most people fall into the "don't want to wear one" camp. It's ridiculous, do your part.

Invisible disability

I wish I had invisibility that would help my disability no end

It’s funny how we never see people walking around stark naked or barefoot around shops, claiming they can’t wear clothes/shoes because of sensory issues.

No, that's because those people often stay at home and are unable to leave their homes much. There is a family at the ASD support group whose daughter refuses all clothes due to sensory issues. Not such a big deal at age 2 but massively problematic at 14. She will occasionally wear a cotton onesie for very short periods but won't reliably keep it on so she's only out in public when it is completely unavoidable, the rest of the time she's at home naked in her room.

My sons are autistic and they will be wearing masks as they can tolerate them

That's good for them. One of my autistic sons will tolerate a mask however the other will not tolerate it at all, not even for a minute. Its these nuances which means that a blanket 'one rule for all' approach does not work. Of course those who can should wear a mask but those who cannot should (and are) exempt and should not be judged, criticised, or abused for it nor should they have to justify why they cant just try harder to not be so affected by their condition.

Its these nuances which means that a blanket 'one rule for all' approach does not work

That's probably why there isn't a blanket rule, and there are exemptions. The reason we have reached the pathetic stage of it being mandatory, is as evidenced on here many people just don't want to do wear one. If people who can safely wear one did, there wouldn't be a need for all of this, but the government knows they won't.

I have trigeminal neuralgia. When I wore a mask to get the bus a few weeks ago, it set off the worst attack I've had in years. I tried again and it happened again. I'm wholly supportive of facemasks generally (I have an autoimmune condition so being higher risk I understand their importance). But I genuinely cannot wear one. I don't want to have to explain my medical history to strangers however, especially as TN is quite rare and most people don't even know what it is or how severe it is. Neither do I feel it right that disabled people/those with health issues should have to be othered by wearing lanyards or badges, and still treated with suspicion anyway - anyone can download a badge or buy a lanyard, regardless of whether they're exempt or not, so I'm not sure that judgemental types would accept them anyway. I'm not ashamed of my condition, but neither do I wish to advertise it.

I don't know what the answer is. I probably just won't be able to go to shops. Just as lockdown was easing and there was some form of normality returning, too.

Its these nuances which means that a blanket 'one rule for all' approach does not work
Good thing we don't have a blanket one rule for all approach. If we did, we probably wouldn't be in this mess

@Fuckinellitsme have you actually read the news? Face masks arent mandatory, face coverings are, means there must be something that would be suitable for you to use.

@BankofNook, lots of kids have some sensory issues around clothes, seams, short sleeves etc. Most of these disappear with age.

I would venture a guess that very very few adults have sensory issues that prevent them from wearing any clothes or shoes.