A little more understanding to those not wearing masks THREAD TWO

[Fuckinellitsme]

Following on from the first thread here

Thank you to all the lovely posters who have shared their experiences on the first thread. It's been incredibly useful in understanding why some people are exempt from wearing a mask on transport, in shops and so on. Particularly in terms of learning about health conditions that aren't widely known, and also the psychological reasons for exemption. Some incredibly brave posters on that thread for whom I am full of admiration.

For those who need them exemption lanyards are available here

Sunflower lanyards can also be picked up for free at several large supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Asda.

If anyone feels they want/are able to share their reasons for exemption, please do - it may help others to understand why many people can't wear masks, and also (if the last thread is anything to go by) is useful for educating the rest of us on conditions we're not familiar with.

Stay safe all 💐

more discrimination.

twitter.com/PaulTavares74/status/1287790817474641920?s=20

A lot of people on Asthma UK's fb page reporting issues. One poster took their mask off to use their inhaler and was told off by two PCSOs!!!

How on earth is someone meant to use an inhaler with a mask covering their mouth?

I'm about to go round my local Sainsbury's including pharmacy without a mask, will display lanyard but I have much trepidation and am shitting myself. Will update.

So, took me 15 mins to get it together to go in, but nothing from anyone, I was the only person maskless too.

Really pleased to hear that, Maskwoes, and I hope you're doing OK.

I think things will calm down. It reminds me of the early days of lockdown when people were saying nobody should be allowed out for a walk if they couldn't manage it without a couple of minutes rest on a bench half way round.

Latest rules about mask exemptions in hospitals https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-are-the-latest-rules-on-face-coverings-in-the-uk?utmmedium=app&utmmcampaign=covidhub&utmsource=PAAWEB

The relevant text:

Quote: Some people are exempt from the new rules on face coverings including:
Children under 11 years old.
People unable to put on, wear or take off a mask due to a disability.
People with breathing difficulties.
Those travelling with someone who relies on lip reading.

Hospitals
As well as public transport, it is now compulsory to wear a face covering when visiting a hospital or attending as an outpatient. Hospitals already have extensive measures in place to reduce the risk to both patients and staff - wearing a face covering is an additional measure to reduce the risk from coronavirus.
Again, the same groups are exempt, including children and people with disabilities.

twitter.com/Brixton_Ben26/status/1287830638847037441?s=20

Ben #KBF
@Brixton_Ben26
91 year old (partially sighted) gran got shouted at to pull her mask fully over her nose by Waitrose staff member.

Absolutely disgraceful behaviour.

The fact she feels pressured into wearing one when she can barely see is awful.

Tom J Colton #KBF
@tjc1_tom
·
15h
Saw an elderly lady struggling with mask outside Tesco, think she was finding it difficult to breathe, they should be given some leeway by the mask gestapo
Peppers
@Peppers00581730
Replying to
@tjc1_tom
and
@Brixton_Ben26
They would.... if the mask police were in fact doing this to "protect others" as they proudly chant. Even they cannot see their own hypocrisy! Seems they're wearing their masks over their eyes as well.

Iyte AlkcheetRainbow #Stayhome #FBPE
@alkcheet
Just been told I should “respect exemptions”

Sorry, but I don’t see it as possible to respect people not in face masks. Utter scum of the earth #NoMasks #WearADamnMask

twitter.com/alkcheet/status/1287789822741012480?s=20

WTF is it with marginalised groups not recognising other marginalised groups.

It is certainly bringing out the worst in a lot of people. It is not being utter scum to not wear a mask because you are exempt - instead it is abiding by the law.

I’m not scum.

Why does it need another thread? Wear a mask of you can. Download a lanyard if you genuinely can't so people don't judge you. Done.

I went to the shop for the first time since it became mandatory yesterday, and I can’t wear one.

I had skin cancer surgery in May on my forehead, had around 50 stitches and have quite a prominent scar. Due to the depth of the cancer I have nerve damage which has caused neuralgia, and I can no longer sweat on a large portion of my face, so wearing a mask means I get so hot without a way to cool my face down that I’d end up fainting. I can’t wear a visor as I can’t have anything touch the scar or surrounding area as the neuralgia is triggered.

A few people glanced over at me, but no one said anything luckily. I have the govt exemption saved as my lock screen on my phone just in case.

The anxiety of it all makes me not want to go to the shops at all, but still can’t get a delivery slot where I am.

@NewNewt

Why does it need another thread? Wear a mask of you can. Download a lanyard if you genuinely can't so people don't judge you. Done.

If only it was that simple.

NewNewt how sweet and naive you are.

why isnt it?

Wear a mask or wear a lanyard that states you have a medical exemption. Then anyone with neither is just an idiot who should be given a wide berth.

I went to a UK service station yesterday, twice, and on both occasions everyone was wearing a mask apart from 1 or 2 young, healthy looking men who breezed in completely unaware. Everyone else glared and tutted. This will happen, continuously, fair or not fair, unless non mask wearers identify themselves as having a valid reason. Otherwise they will get lumped into the 'twat' category. How are you meant to tell the difference?

Why do I have to identify myself? The law provides exemptions. Why can’t people just assume that those without masks have a legit reason?

I have a lanyard and a card is on its way for it. Why do I have to prepare to be challenged? Go out of my way to buy a card?

Why can’t everyone just abide by the law, which says I can’t be challenged, except by someone so authorised?

Because they won't. People will assume the worst. You're one of the idiots not wearing a mask because you think you're different, special, civil liberties blah blah. So you have a choice to accept that, which would be awful, or try and do something about it. Why wouldn't you try and distinguish yourself from those people, that people will continually judge, if you can? I would. All these threads pleading for understanding and tolerance are fine, and people do understand when you detail it, and understand that there are some valid reasons for not being able to wear a mask. But all threads on MN aren't going to stop random people judging you in that service station. I'm just stating that, pragmatically, some sort of visual indicator is all that will stop that for you, if it bothers you (which I can totally understand)

How are you meant to tell the difference?

As a member of the public you are not meant to tell the difference. It's none of your business.

Read the government guidance:

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

This is a personal choice, and is not necessary in law.

If you would like to use an exemption card you can use the PDF attachments on this page.

Those who have an age, health or disability reason to not wear a face covering should not be routinely asked to provide any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

You have no idea whether those 'young, healthy looking men' were exempt or not and you do not have the right to know.

And I'm not talking about people being challenged. I haven't seen anyone being challenged really. I'm talking about the silent judgement, and stares and tutting and eye raising, which would really piss me off if I had a serious medical condition that meant I couldn't wear a mask.

And I am.

I have a lanyard (sunflower) and a card for it on the way. I’m so anxious about going out it’s really affecting me. I won’t cope well if I’m challenged.

@NewNewt

And I'm not talking about people being challenged. I haven't seen anyone being challenged really. I'm talking about the silent judgement, and stares and tutting and eye raising, which would really piss me off if I had a serious medical condition that meant I couldn't wear a mask.

What do you define as “Serious medical condition” and why are you using that phrase?

That’s not what the law says about reasons not to wear a mask.

You have no idea whether those 'young, healthy looking men' were exempt or not and you do not have the right to know.

Exactly. But they still got the tuts and the glares. Maybe they are fine with that. I wouldn't be and many people on these threads who can't
wear a mask seem like they aren't happy about it. So be pragmatic, voluntarily distinguish yourself, is what I am suggesting, and what I would do if it were me.

Or people could just stop tutting and glaring.