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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

743 replies

BuffaloCauliflower · 13/07/2020 13:28

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.

OP posts:
Fuckinellitsme · 14/07/2020 10:22

And a lanyard isn't proof of exemption, anyone can buy one.

Cadent · 14/07/2020 10:23

I agree. I think a lot of people on here have got it in their heads that the minute they step out of their house without a face covering that they will be hounded with abuse. I highly doubt that will happen and I've certainly not seen or heard of it in my area.

Exactly, Greyt. And if anyone does ask, a quick 'I have asthma/a medical attention' will suffice. The chances of running into a knob who doesn't believe you are remote.

NotShiny · 14/07/2020 10:24

Yes people will abuse the system and say that have asthma or other conditions when they havent. However there simply isn't the time of manpower to get a system up and running (similar to blue badge scheme) where you need proof. So we are where we are really. This is hopefully a temporary situation. So if I see someone not wearing a mask, I will presume they exempt as I will have no reason to think otherwise.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 14/07/2020 10:25

so you need to either comply and have proof of exemption or deal with the consequences

I will carry proof of exemption to show to people who have a right to ask to see it. I will not wear a lanyard or a badge. Any 'situation' that arises from that won't be of my making so I'm not really concerned about the outcome.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:25

So yes, people do get bother if they don't wear one.

Well of course they do, people deserve to know if their health is being put at risk for a legitimate reason or just for a "don't fancy wearing it" one. It's about everyone as a population, not just you

Penners99 · 14/07/2020 10:27

I was talking to a friend this morning about masks. He runs the only shop in a village and he has already had customers TELLING him that they will not wear a mask and that there is nothing he can do about it.

Well, he plans to close the shop on the 23rd and not open until masks are no longer mandatory. He says it will be harder for others than him.

Not sure if I approve of his plan or not.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:27

@BamboozledandBefuddled

so you need to either comply and have proof of exemption or deal with the consequences

I will carry proof of exemption to show to people who have a right to ask to see it. I will not wear a lanyard or a badge. Any 'situation' that arises from that won't be of my making so I'm not really concerned about the outcome.

And that's great, I think that's all anyone needs to do.
canigooutyet · 14/07/2020 10:28

ou cannot assume that everyone is breaking the law just because they aren't wearing a mask.

By insisting someone wear a badge, lanyard, carry a card etc, you are making them proof their innocence. It's crap like this is why the legally protected Discrimination Act is in place. Corona or not, this doesn't and should never go away. If anything, more needs added to it to give more protection to that Act.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:29

That's so sad for that man @Penners99 I'm sure he just wants to avoid getting abuse from people who reguse to comply.

canigooutyet · 14/07/2020 10:31

@GreytExpectations

And I don't want to wear a badge which proclaims to all and sundry that I have a medical condition/disability. As I've said, I'm not ashamed of it but neither do I wish to advertise it.

Well that's unfortunately the situation we are in. Not wearing a covering will be mandatory with the risk of a fine so you need to either comply and have proof of exemption or deal with the consequences. We all have to do things we don't like, don't know why you think you are special.

And what proof would this be and to who, other than who is mentioned in the guidelines?
NotShiny · 14/07/2020 10:31

"Well of course they do, people deserve to know if their health is being put at risk for a legitimate reason or just for a "don't fancy wearing it" one. It's about everyone as a population, not just you"

You will never know if it's a legitimate reason though. If people are taking the mick and just dont fancy wearing one, if they have their wits about them they will just say they are exempt.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:31

So why are those disabled people OK using a blue badge to park? Based on your "I shouldn't have to answer to anyone" attitude, surly you should be able to park in a disabled space without proof and everyone should just assume you have a disability?

BankofNook · 14/07/2020 10:32

Good thing we don't have a blanket one rule for all approach. If we did, we probably wouldn't be in this mess

And yet there are people on this thread spouting off that "such and such a country has mandatory mask wearing, no exceptions and everyone manages" with people agreeing that this is as it should be. People stating that surgeons/nurses/firefighters manage masks and so no one else has an excuse not to. That ve tilators and gas masks are more uncomfortable than face masks so what you moaning for? And so on.

Don't pull the wide eyed "bit we do have exemptions and rightly so!" card when its clear from this thread that many posters here don't think those exemptions are valid and that disabled people should simply try harder to not be so disabled that they can't wear a mask.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:32

You will never know if it's a legitimate reason though. If people are taking the mick and just dont fancy wearing one, if they have their wits about them they will just say they are exempt.

And that's why a card would be useful. Those who want to take the mick will unlikely bother with the hassle of getting a card/lanyard

NotShiny · 14/07/2020 10:33

Even policemen arent going to be able to do anything about it really, as you dont have to show proof you are exempt. So unless you say you just dont want to wear one, they cant fine you.

GreytExpectations · 14/07/2020 10:34

that many posters here don't think those exemptions are valid and that disabled people should simply try harder to not be so disabled that they can't wear a mask.

Ive not seen anyone on here tell disabled people they should try harder.

NotShiny · 14/07/2020 10:34

"And that's why a card would be useful. Those who want to take the mick will unlikely bother with the hassle of getting a card/lanyard"
Agree, however, I've already said there isnt the time to get a system up and running where you have to give proof, so we have to accept that's not going to happen, dont we.

Fuckinellitsme · 14/07/2020 10:36

It's about everyone as a population, not just you

The percentage of the population with a medical condition/disability is pretty large. It's not 'just me', but the millions like me who do not want to have to choose between advertising their condition or facing judgement and abuse. If you need proof of the judgement of those not wearing masks, just look at some of the comments on this thread and others like it. Plenty of people suggesting that those with sensory issues, asthma, MH issues etc should simply get over it and wear one.

Fuckinellitsme · 14/07/2020 10:37

By insisting someone wear a badge, lanyard, carry a card etc, you are making them proof their innocence. It's crap like this is why the legally protected Discrimination Act is in place. Corona or not, this doesn't and should never go away. If anything, more needs added to it to give more protection to that Act

Absolutely this.

NotShiny · 14/07/2020 10:37

Not sure if you are referring to the sunflower lanyard, but lots of people might already have that, but still not be exempt from wearing a mask. The two dont go hand in hand. And yes, people do often get the lanyard when they dont need it, thinking it helps them jump queues. You dont need proof to get a sunflower lanyard, you can just pick one up in Tescos for free.

canigooutyet · 14/07/2020 10:39

@GreytExpectations

So why are those disabled people OK using a blue badge to park? Based on your "I shouldn't have to answer to anyone" attitude, surly you should be able to park in a disabled space without proof and everyone should just assume you have a disability?
Not everyone chooses to drive.. Not every disabled person chooses to go through the Blue badge process.

Each person looks at their specific needs in terms of their travel and relevant documentation to go with it.

Same with anything. A disabled person can choose whether they want to participate or not as long as it's within the laws of that country.

Cadent · 14/07/2020 10:39

Well, he plans to close the shop on the 23rd and not open until masks are no longer mandatory. He says it will be harder for others than him.

Why doesn't he just refuse entry to anyone not wearing a mask? Confused

PhilCornwall1 · 14/07/2020 10:41

@Cadent

Well, he plans to close the shop on the 23rd and not open until masks are no longer mandatory. He says it will be harder for others than him.

Why doesn't he just refuse entry to anyone not wearing a mask? Confused

Because he could face a legal challenge if he does.
BankofNook · 14/07/2020 10:42

So why are those disabled people OK using a blue badge to park? Based on your "I shouldn't have to answer to anyone" attitude, surly you should be able to park in a disabled space without proof and everyone should just assume you have a disability?

Not every disabled person has a blue badge and not every person with a blue badge is disabled as they're also available hewlth conditions that the badge holder may not consider a disability but do (either temporarily or permanently) increase their need to use disabled parking.

The proof of eligibility for a blue badge is given to the local authority, they assess whether someone qualifies. No personal information beyond "this person can park here" is given to anyone other than the LA employee processing the form. There is a world of difference between a blue badge on a dashboard showing non-verbal eligibility for a parking space with no medical information on display and a disabled person having to explain to "Debbie at Asda Customer Services" exactly what their disability is and how it affects them in order to prove why they're exempt from wearing a mask while the rest of the queue listens in and Debbie potentially decides "well that's not good enough".

One is a necessity and totally innocuous. The other is publically shaming disabled people into justifying their disability.

canigooutyet · 14/07/2020 10:43

@NotShiny

Not sure if you are referring to the sunflower lanyard, but lots of people might already have that, but still not be exempt from wearing a mask. The two dont go hand in hand. And yes, people do often get the lanyard when they dont need it, thinking it helps them jump queues. You dont need proof to get a sunflower lanyard, you can just pick one up in Tescos for free.
They are Free!? I'm sure someone said yesterday they had bought them.

They get talked about more on here than they do in rl. And if they were free, schools would be handing them out to parents/carers.

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