Page 27 | To say if they mandate mask wearing they need to ensure some way for the exempt from masks to prove it?

BuffaloCauliflower · 2020-07-13T12:28:02+00:00

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.

Haenow · 14/07/2020 21:08

I cannot imagine going up to a stranger and asking why they’re not wearing a mask. It may cross my mind to wonder why but I’m a curious creature. It really is none of my business!

Haenow · 14/07/2020 21:09

@Applesinthefridge

Just wear the mask. It won't kill you. But COVID-19 will.

Does that help?

Statistically, this isn’t true.

HeIenaDove · 14/07/2020 21:10

Itwon't kill you. But COVID-19 will

Wow this option. OR hanging around on a planet inhabited by people like you.

I can see why some would want to take their chances.

HeIenaDove · 14/07/2020 21:21

@Fuckinellitsme

Disability Rights UK
@DisRightsUK
·
Jul 13
Are you exempt from wearing a mask on public transport? Have you been challenged or pressured to wear one by staff or peers? Would you be willing to speak to a journalist about your experience (anonymous if you choose)? Email [email protected]

Livelovebehappy · 14/07/2020 23:52

It will never work. There are so many people refusing to wear them for a variety of reasons, that only a minority will be wearing them, which kind of negates the whole thing. Doctors are not going to write out exemption notes for someone saying they can’t wear the mask as they feel claustrophobic or get panic attacks, unless they have history of suffering from those things. It will cause resentment obviously if a lot of people are exempting themselves for frivolous reasons.

PurpleDaisies · 15/07/2020 08:10

It will never work. There are so many people refusing to wear them for a variety of reasons, that only a minority will be wearing them, which kind of negates the whole thing.

It doesn’t have to be everyone. In Scotland it’s been almost 100% according to Nicola Sturgeon and even in America which was seriously anti face covering, 72% of people are wearing one “always” or “very often”. I think you’re underestimating the British people. Most people aren’t saying them won’t wear a mask when required to. They’re saying they’ll avoid those situations instead.

news.gallup.com/poll/315590/americans-face-mask-usage-varies-greatly-demographics.aspx

PurpleDaisies · 15/07/2020 08:11

It will cause resentment obviously if a lot of people are exempting themselves for frivolous reasons.

How will anyone know what someone else’s reason for not wearing a mask is?

trappedsincesundaymorn · 15/07/2020 08:16

@Applesinthefridge

Just wear the mask. It won't kill you. But COVID-19 will.

Does that help?

Covid won't kill my epileptic OH, wearing a mask whilst having a seizure probably will.

does that help?

PurpleDaisies · 15/07/2020 08:18

Doctors are not going to write out exemption notes for someone saying they can’t wear the mask as they feel claustrophobic or get panic attacks, unless they have history of suffering from those things.

Well, I don’t think doctors are going to write our exemption notes for anyone but since most people haven’t worn a mask before, how would they know it would give them claustrophobia? There’s no reason a doctor would need to see a history of panic attacks or claustrophobia for them to agree to writing such a note.

Cadent · 15/07/2020 08:47

There are so many people refusing to wear them for a variety of reasons, that only a minority will be wearing them, which kind of negates the whole thing.

Or maybe they weren't wearing them because initially we were told face masks don't make any difference and of course, weren't mandatory.

Most people are law-abiding, the majority of people will absolutely wear them, just like they stayed in their homes when asked to.

Cadent · 15/07/2020 08:48

Well, I don’t think doctors are going to write our exemption notes for anyone but since most people haven’t worn a mask before, how would they know it would give them claustrophobia?

And most people would rather wear the mask rather than shell out £10 or whatever for the doctor's note.

mrpumblechook · 15/07/2020 09:38

I may have missed it but has there been a demand for children to carry their birth certificates when they are in shops? Exemption applies to children under 11 - some children look young for their age, some look older.

It's not that difficult to provide reasonable evidence of age. When my children were younger for example cinemas accepted a photo of their passports as proof of age.

Standardy · 15/07/2020 10:28

And most people would rather wear the mask rather than shell out £10 or whatever for the doctor's note

If they're able to do that they likely didn't require an exemption in the first place then.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 15/07/2020 11:11

@mrpumblechook

I may have missed it but has there been a demand for children to carry their birth certificates when they are in shops? Exemption applies to children under 11 - some children look young for their age, some look older.

It's not that difficult to provide reasonable evidence of age. When my children were younger for example cinemas accepted a photo of their passports as proof of age.

The point was that nobody appears to be demanding that children should prove they are exempt. That attitude seems to be reserved for those who are exempt on medical grounds.

mrpumblechook · 15/07/2020 11:44

The point was that nobody appears to be demanding that children should prove they are exempt. That attitude seems to be reserved for those who are exempt on medical grounds.

Nobody has asked the question of whether children should provide evidence for their age . Clearly if a child looks a lot older than 11 it would make sense to have a photograph of their passport just as you would if you wanted to buy child tickets for the cinema etc if your child looked older than their age.

canigooutyet · 15/07/2020 13:12

In the UK over 13 million people have a disability.
Mental health before covid 1 in 6 people experience MH.

Total population of the UK circa 66 million. That's a lot of 1 in 6. I'm sure someone will come and do the math!!

All these people are automatically exempt. It is down to them if they wear one of not depending in their own circumstances.

We have Anti-body testing in the UK. What are those people protecting you from?

Think of it like vaccines. You get yours to help. protect those who cannot have one for health reasons. The mask is the same thing. You wearing your's helps to protect those who cannot wear them and should not be shamed into wearing them.

Just because you with your whatever can cope doesn't mean that others can. As with Covid, illnesses come in a variety of degrees from the mild to the extreme. My mild stuff my GP deals with, once or twice a year I pop along to the hospital to see the consultant. My not so mild every damn week at hospital for appointments, assuming I'm not a patient.

Those who don't have to wear them, please don't put your health at risk by this pressure. You know yourself if you do, the consequences to you. Take a copy of the guidelines with you.

On my phone I now how saved the guidelines, the Equality and the Disability Act with me because if some jumped up arse thinks I have to show evidence to enter a store when the rest of the nation doesn't, too right I will be enacting my legal rights. If they mention calling the police I will do them a favour and make the call for them, I will put them on loud speaker so they can crack on,

Just because a copper said to put that abhorrent sign up doesn't mean it's legal. Although even he does go onto to say but they still have to let the maskless in because discrimination.

Those of you that can wear masks, don't assume all are flouting the laws. As with anything if you think a crime has been committed then report away.

Globally there are exemptions including Japan and China because of health and MH. THere is nowhere to run to where everyone will be wearing masks.

NS is incorrect if she said everyone was wearing a mask. The police didn't find grounds to fine anyone they stopped. We already know not everyone in Scotland is wearing them, unless the assumption is they are all lying with their talk and their pictures.

canigooutyet · 15/07/2020 13:21

And before assumptions are made, my children and myself get the medical interventions that are suitable for our own healths.

We all have that choice to engage or not with health services from a surprising young age! Could be why school kids aren't forced to wear them especially from secondary age!!

mrpumblechook · 15/07/2020 13:52

@canigooutyet

In the UK over 13 million people have a disability. Mental health before covid 1 in 6 people experience MH.