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.

Even if it was just something doctors could print that had an official stamp on it or something? Wouldn’t need to be a full blown ID card. Just something nationwide that was officially recognised.

Think of the admin overhead for that, GPs will love that one and probably charge for the privilege.

Have you actually checked that there are no exemptions in those places or are you just assuming?

There are no exemptions where I live and while I understand it, it's a pain in the fucking arse. After 3+ months at home I had two 1.5 hour train journeys to make last week. I'm still coughing like nobody's business. (I'm sure some bright spark will say how do I know I haven't contracted covid-19? Well obviously I might have done, but it's rather odd that it has exactly the same symptoms as my asthma attacks and is relieved somewhat by inhalers.)

How do you know those countries don’t also have medical exemptions? Have you checked?
Well, in Singapore if you have a medical reason for not wearing a mask you should wear a face shield. You could do that. At least it's some sort of effort made and people will see that.

@romeolovedjulliet

i had a horriffic experience as a child [stately homes related] and suffer from ptsd as a result if anything covers my nose and mouth, can't use scarves, masks or visors. it's a worrying and difficult time, i avoid shops now because i hate being near people as it is.

I hear you and we need to recognise these issues too. I also deal with anxiety and I’m sure the asthma cough leading to panic in mask cycle makes the whole thing worse.

@MissBaskinIfYoureNasty

How do you know those countries don’t also have medical exemptions? Have you checked? Well, in Singapore if you have a medical reason for not wearing a mask you should wear a face shield. You could do that. At least it's some sort of effort made and people will see that.

It would still be something restrictive over my face which is distressing.

Wow I think unfortunately some of the responses on here prove your point OP - so quick to jump on you and assume that you're looking for a personal exception or that you should suck it up or that you shouldn't be out of your house.

I really feel for you - I had breathlessness when pregnant, I suspect as a result of anemia and it was horrible, and I think wearing a mask then would have made me really panicky.

I think personally I'd practice a phrase along the lines of mind your own business but I know it's hard. It's a shame people can't just focus on doing what's right for them instead of constantly looking for other people's behaviour to shame and criticise. It's miserable.

@PhilCornwall1

Even if it was just something doctors could print that had an official stamp on it or something? Wouldn’t need to be a full blown ID card. Just something nationwide that was officially recognised.

Think of the admin overhead for that, GPs will love that one and probably charge for the privilege.

Right now I would happily pay for it if it meant I could go out without worry. But of course it wouldn’t be fair on those who couldn’t afford it. Doctors letters are usually £20 at my GPs

Can't you just order the lanyards online? Can't remember what they're called, the ones that prove you're exempt from wearing a mask. I assume you'll have looked into this OP? I'm sure I've seen they can be ordered. Or ring your GP and ask. No point worrying about a situation that won't manifest as long as you have correct info visible.

I sympathise with you, hopefully your inhaler will help with some people (not that you should have to prove it to a random person but it might be easier if someone does start having a go to just get it out and show them that you actually do have asthma).

People who don't agree with there being exemptions are idiots and an official card wouldn't help with them because they still wouldn't agree with the premise. Hopefully the number of people who a) disagree with all exemptions and b) are twattish enough to have a go at a stranger in public is small.

@PinkFondantFancy thank you, and yes it’s exactly it. I was anaemia free when last checked, but about to have a round of antibiotics in case there’s an infection, if not I’ll get tested again. Mask wearing definitely has both physical and mental effects, I do panic because I can’t seem to regulate my breathing in them which makes me cough even more, which makes me panic more! But also asthma is only one of many many different reasons people can’t wear them.

I just looked it up and face shields are not ok here either :( Face masks or you don't go on public transport. The asthma organisation suggests getting a taxi instead

I agree (I'm asthmatic and ds is autostic and we both find wearing masks very difficult). However individual shops should be free to mandate whether they allow non mask wearers to enter or not.

We are having a haircut today. Ds has decided that he will wear a mask in order to go as the hairdresser has a no mask, no cut rule.

@DeeCeeCherry there is no official lanyards or exemption you can show, that’s the point. Different charities and businesses have come up with various things, like sunflower lanyards for people with ASD (which I don’t have) but I think we need something nationally recognisable that’s accepted as official. Cards you can print our yourself online will he taken less seriously as anyone could do this

Would you honestly not find it distressing to potentially spread a virus to someone else though?
I'm not coming from this with no experience of the discomfort. I have asthma and anxiety. I had to wear a mask at my daughters 8 week jabs recently and had a panic attack. The poor doctor wasn't ready for that shit show! I still continue to practice wearing the mask for longer times, practicing different types of breathing to see what helps me.
I don't want to be responsible for spreading this if I can do anything to avoid it. I'd also like other people to protect me because being in hospital with covid would be even more triggeeing for me than wearing a mask. Bigger picture.

@TicketToTheWrongFilm

I just looked it up and face shields are not ok here either :( Face masks or you don't go on public transport. The asthma organisation suggests getting a taxi instead

Well that’s stupid. Sure everyone has the money for that! I’m very grateful I can easily avoid public transport for the meanwhile but many cannot. I’m sure the medical exemption applies to public transport as well though? You can apply to different bus and train companies for their exemption card thing. Travel for London have a card you can print (which I have) which says I Am Exempt. But you can bet someone would still have a go at you

@MissBaskinIfYoureNasty I cough significantly more in a mask than without one, then I’m moving it, touching it, coughing more etc. If I had Covid I’m sure this situation for me around mask wearing would make me a much higher risk to others than if I just hadn’t worn one at all. I keep a distance from others when out and wash my hands plenty. Days when the cough is very bad I obviously don’t go out. Tbh I’m not out much, just a few times in what has been nice empty shops.

Totally agree with you OP. I'm autistic and can't wear a mask.

I find it quite upsetting that so many comments (both on here and on Facebook) just say "get over it or stay home" - like that's possible for huge numbers of people!

The attitudes towards those who struggle with hidden illnesses and disabilities on here is awful.

@MissBaskinIfYoureNasty

Would you honestly not find it distressing to potentially spread a virus to someone else though? I'm not coming from this with no experience of the discomfort. I have asthma and anxiety. I had to wear a mask at my daughters 8 week jabs recently and had a panic attack. The poor doctor wasn't ready for that shit show! I still continue to practice wearing the mask for longer times, practicing different types of breathing to see what helps me. I don't want to be responsible for spreading this if I can do anything to avoid it. I'd also like other people to protect me because being in hospital with covid would be even more triggeeing for me than wearing a mask. Bigger picture.

The pain I would be in if I wore one would be more distressing to me than potentially spreading the virus to others.

@MissBaskinIfYoureNasty

Would you honestly not find it distressing to potentially spread a virus to someone else though? I'm not coming from this with no experience of the discomfort. I have asthma and anxiety. I had to wear a mask at my daughters 8 week jabs recently and had a panic attack. The poor doctor wasn't ready for that shit show! I still continue to practice wearing the mask for longer times, practicing different types of breathing to see what helps me. I don't want to be responsible for spreading this if I can do anything to avoid it. I'd also like other people to protect me because being in hospital with covid would be even more triggeeing for me than wearing a mask. Bigger picture.

Well fab that you can tolerate one long enough to practice breathing techniques. I can’t even get one over my face without triggering a panic attack. Just like I can’t wear a scarf in the winter in case it rides up over my nose.

Would you honestly not find it distressing to potentially spread a virus to someone else though?

What an awful and insensitive thing to say.

@MissBaskinIfYoureNasty I have also worn one to my antenatal appointments as there appear to be no exemptions in hospital. I understand this. It’s bloody hard though and I’ve had to sit there coughing whilst waiting, not what you want. I even had to go round the corner to have a full on coughing fit that likely wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been wearing a mask, and again - I’m coughing and moving the mask, it’s not how they’re meant to be used.

However individual shops should be free to mandate whether they allow non mask wearers to enter or not.

Surely people who cannot wear masks because of a valid exemption because of a disability would have grounds for a case against the shops for discrimination?

Where I live people who can’t wear masks wear a clear face shield.

@ArfArfBarf

Where I live people who can’t wear masks wear a clear face shield.

Unfortunately some people can't tolerate those either.

The sunflower lanyard is for hidden disabilities ie conditions you cannot see. Although, it's true that most people I know (including us) seem to use them for ASD/ADHD. I reckon most people understand what an inhaler looks like and that it's to do with breathing. If you decide to try wearing a face mask, I manage to breathe wearing one and I too have allergy-induced asthma. (Hayfever season sucks!) If you can't wear a mask, I guess you'll have to trust that the people around you will sufficiently socially-distance themselves. Don't hesitate to move away if they get too close; it's not impolite - it's just reasonable caution for everyone's safety. x