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.

Not seeing a great deal of empathy there, it has to be said.

No, you aren't actually comprehending what I've been saying. All I have suggested is some kind of exemption process in place, like other countries. You have chosen to interpret that to me not caring about your disability because you are clearly quite sensitive about it.

@mrpumblechook

You do realise these people are also at risk of Covid hence physical health is an exemption?

They are not necessarily at particularly high risk of Covid . Many of those who are exempt from wearing a mask will not be at high risk and vice versa.
Not sure what you mean by "So how are they protecting themselves from wearing a mask they are exempt from?* The masks mainly protect people from the person wearing it rather than the other way round.

Yea I’m aware of how they work. But I understand. Regardless of the cost to your personal health wear a mask or provide evidence.

Clearly this needs the National ID card implemented wouldn’t you agree?

The only country I can think of that has specific documentation is America. We can all see how well that’s doing because of the fakes.

Clearly this needs the National ID card implemented wouldn’t you agree?

It eventually will probably need a formal system such as a blue badge but that's unlikely to be implemented in the next couple of weeks..

@AnneOfQueenSables my GP, like most, is not issuing letters of exemption. Neither are consultants. You may already have a letter from a HCP stating what condition you have, but many people have never even heard of mine. I could show the doorman at my local Aldi a letter saying I have TN and he would have no clue whether or not it's an exempt condition. And letters can be passed around - my friend, say, could use mine and say that's why she's not wearing a mask. Hence the likelihood that shop staff will not accept them or may question them. The card is not proof of anything - literally anyone can download one. And as I found out today, not even a bright green and yellow thing around my neck is enough to silence bus passengers who leap to conclusions.

There are two issues here: the need to prove disability/health issues to shop staff or similar when there is no way to do so, and the general public who feel it's their place to sit in judgement of those not wearing masks.

I would suggest that what's required is not bits of card or badges or letters which other disabled people. Rather education as to the invisible conditions which may cause people to be unable to wear masks, and a little tolerance and understanding.

Incidentally, I haven't seen anyone here with an anti mask agenda. The only people worried about wearing masks are those who can't.

All of this prompted by the woe is me OP who has left the thread after getting her attention fix

Lovely. Someone with a health condition dismissed as 'woe is me' and an attention seeker.

Words fail.

@mrpumblechook
I asked about the ID card specifically because some years ago this was talked about and looked like it would happen.
There was also lots of strong opposition about how details stored etc keeping all the info and countless other stuff. Interesting reading.

Driving isn’t an essential part of living. You chose to do this and hand over documents. You could then if exempt decide to not wear a mask and shop. Someone relying on public transport have these choice removed including going to work and various other parts of daily life.

I haven't read the whole thread - shame on me - but thought I'd just post my thoughts. For those who may not be able to wear masks due to asthma, how about carrying the flattened box from your inhaler with the prescription details on. Yes, you shouldn't need to, but it's the closest you'll get to anything official from a doctor and is better than nothing.

Clearly this needs the National ID card implemented wouldn’t you agree?

I don't understand why you keep saying this.

There is a world of difference between a simple card that officially shows someone is exempt from wearing a face covering, and a national ID card that (IIRC from when they were being discussed) could be used to access just about every piece of official info about you that exists.

We manage to have blue badge and freedom pass schemes without needing them to be national ID cards and this should be no different.

The issue is that there is not time to set up such a scheme. There isn't time to set up national ID cards either, even if people could be persuaded they were a good idea.

Why would an ID card have details of a medical condition anyway?

By insisting on the need of a card for example this will exclude people simply because of money. Many within society who are exempt are from low income families.

If a gp will issue a letter there is usually a charge

I think my last letter I got that specifically mentioned anything was about 3 years ago haven’t a clue where that is. My last lot of discharge stuff would require googling to find out what I was in for. I don’t always get admitted in a specific department.

Can hear some fool say hang on how can you have that, says here y department deals with that but this admission isn’t that.

Or well anyone can print off a letter from home.

I’m no legal person but wouldn’t medical letters then become a part of official evidence like your utility and bank records?

Ok, random thought of the day to prove you do have a condition. I have the Patient Access app (I know your GP needs to support it), but having logged in to get my blood test results, you can get your diagnosis history and a list of any repeat medications. This surely would be enough evidence for any Police, etc. It's straight from your medical record.

I wouldn't be showing it to any member of the public challenging me, I wouldn't even respond to them, but it is at least something if an over zealous Police Officer or shop staff have a go.

I keep raising it because essentially this is what people are requesting a card to provide evidence to the holder.
To get the card medical documents would be needed and health changes a lot. So these would need updating to ensure only those eligible could get them.

If people want a certain group of people to provide this then why not everyone? Whoever wants to see your evidence can easily from scanning or whatever the card.

Shop staff aren’t allowed to have a go they are advised to contact the police. The police had said they don’t have the man power and horrid “no mask no entry” advice

How is this different from freedom passes and blue badges though?

Gps would suddenly be inundated with people asking for appointments in order to get proof, that they dont need because the Government has decided proof is not needed. In fact that's probably why they decided proof is not needed!!!

"47LangClegsInSpace

How is this different from freedom passes and blue badges though?"

I've never heard of freedom passes, but blue badges take months to go through the process. Just not suitable for a temporary thing with masks.

Those are funded from local authorities and cost a lot to maintain.

Because of the exemptions this also includes various pregnancy related things that ease off after birth. They only need it for that period of time.
Stress some it’s a short period others it’s years.
Remember even pip think miracles can happen and someone who has spent their live unable to walk will suddenly stand up and walk or communicate etc.

At least with it all stored and scanned it would be centralised and easier to update.

Driving isn’t an essential part of living. You chose to do this and hand over documents. You could then if exempt decide to not wear a mask and shop. Someone relying on public transport have these choice removed including going to work and various other parts of daily life.

The blue badge is not just for people who drive and many people who have a blue badge do not drive. That doesn't mean they don't rely on the badge as much as someone who relies on public transport. Some disabled people can't even use public transport and rely on a carer driving them to places.

This rule on masks is short term. Noone knows how long it will be in place. Could be a few weeks or months. Theres just no time to get any sort of evidence cards in place. And the cost and manpower to set it up is enormous. I'm convinced this is why the Government are not requiring proof.

I've never heard of freedom passes, but blue badges take months to go through the process. Just not suitable for a temporary thing with masks.

They take an average of 17 days where I live. It's much speedier now people can apply online.

@Cadent I haven’t ‘left the thread’ I was commenting for pages and pages and then I did other things... am I meant to stay on Mumsnet all day and night?! It’s not about ‘getting attention’ thanks, just a bit of understanding that masks are not reasonable or possible for a number of us and it’s not just wilful disregard. I’d love to be able to wear a mask right now, it would save me a lot of grief.

"They take an average of 17 days where I live. It's much speedier now people can apply online."

Yes, but it doesnt take 17 days to get the evidence though does it. Consultants and doctors take their own sweet time and charge you to write a report for you. It might take 17 days for those who already get a high rate of pip, but not 17 days to get pip in the first place.
17 days, my arse!!!!

Freedom passes allow people with certain disabilities to travel free on London buses. And yes, like blue badges, they can take ages to get. I just don't understand how setting up a national ID card scheme would be any quicker. It would take months to even get it through parliament, assuming it actually passed.