To think unless you are actually medically exempt you can't get out of wearing a mask?

[Simsie]

People on social media are telling others to download a basic picture of text saying "I am exempt from wearing a mask" to present at supermarkets if they don't want to wear a mask.

Not medically exempt, no hidden disabilities, just for those don't want to wear one.

Surely that crap isn't going to work?

Police have said they have too many other things to do and don't have any extra resources to enforce it. The big supermarkets are saying they don't expect their staff to enforce it.

If it works, it will simply be because most people follow the rules and/or are scared of covid.

I have asthma and am therefore exempt.
I fully intend wearing a mask anyway but thought I might get a card just in case I get into difficulty. I was shocked to see that anyone can print it out from the government website.

I am in the extremely vulnerable group because of a number of health conditions and the thought of people taking the piss and not bothering to wear masks for the benefit of other people has made me even more nervous of going out and about when shielding ends.

I've just read the news articles about big supermarkets stating that they're not going to enforce it, that's sad.

I do understand the not wanting to be abused though.

Thankfully my local Tesco are enforcing it well, for now.

It isn't going to be enforced, both the police and several supermarkets have already said as much. So people not wanting to wear a mask will probably be able to shop in at least some places without one.

I just don't understand their logic.

If you have no medical conditions either physical or neurological then why would you not just do your bit?

The people I've seen talking about printing off this bit of paper today are young, healthy women in their 20's.

If diagnosed asthmatics are prepared to wear a mask (despite not having to) then I think they're a disgrace. Selfish bastards.

Police are under-resourced in London partly because Mr Johnson cut their numbers whilst London Mayor.

Simsie, I don’t understand it either. Likewise those who aren’t following the guidelines or social distancing. It’s about everyone not just ourselves.

We need to socially shun anyone who doesn't especially if they are smirking at us in our masks I guess

How will you be able to tell apart someone with a valid exemption and a so called CF.

Are you happy to shun someone with say ptsd or chronic lung disease, or maybe even contact dermatitis.

It's important we assume that people that don't wear masks are doing so because they have good reason, and then give them the space to socially distance - rather than make people probably already embarrassed they can't wear them feel shit about themselves.

Yes there will be some people that just don't wear them because they don't want to - but do you really wanna risk being a cunt to someone with a valid reason. And if they're not wearing one simply because they don't want too, do you really think they'll give a shit about "social shunning".

The stupidity of an official exemption certificate that anyone can download whether they genuinely need it or not is ridiculous. Yet another mess made of something that could have been useful in the fight against covid.

if you have no medical conditions either physical or neurological then why would you not just do your bit?

Psychological? PTSD from trauma involving suffocation here. I agree anyone doing it with no reason is selfish though. I have a letter (from my psychiatrist) but I'm not comfortable going anywhere where masks are mandatory.

@Dinosauratemydaffodils

if you have no medical conditions either physical or neurological then why would you not just do your bit?

Psychological? PTSD from trauma involving suffocation here. I agree anyone doing it with no reason is selfish though. I have a letter (from my psychiatrist) but I'm not comfortable going anywhere where masks are mandatory.

Sorry, psychological too yes. That was an oversight on my part.

Of course you shouldn't have to wear one.

I also have PTSD so would hate people to think I wasn't being inclusive IRT mental health.

Maybe they just thought people would be responsible

I gather the police will be doing spot checks and on-the-spot fines

In theory yes but its virtually impossible to police. We've had various reports from people about non mask wearers but its a waste of time. By the time someone phones 101 and the call is recorded then passed to the control room 10 mins could have passed. Theres not even any point in sending cops even if a crew were free.

Passing the responsibility to the Police is madness. We barely have resources to deal with things at the best of times

They'll know some people are going to take the piss, but I suppose yes the hope is that the majority will do the right thing.

I truly and honestly do not know what their problem is, excluding those with genuine reasons for not wearing them.. what is the big deal? It's a piece of fabric.

Most people aren't in any one shop more than 30 minutes and can remove it as soon as they get outside.

They want to count themselves lucky they don't live in the countries where it's mandatory to wear a face covering outdoors aswell.

The don’t want to wear a mask (as opposed legitimately unable to ease a mask) are arses. And it makes a mockery of all the medical staff and care workers who have worn them day in day out for months. They should stop being selfish and get a grip. Honestly it’s so frustrating to see all the bleating.

*ease? Should be “wear”

Redglitter I know I shouldn’t be surprised but have folk actually been phoning the police to report people in shops not wearing masks? (I’m annual leave)

I think those who won't (not can't) wear a mask will be upset if they aren't challenged. After all, no one will be paying them attention. I do feel its attention seeking, getting on a soap box about it publicly.

Nobody should have to declare their reason for not wearing one, especially if that reason is due to a physical or mental condition. Nobody should have to prove to the likes of the nasty busybodies they might run into why they aren't wearing one. Nobody should be shunned for it.

But it’s because loads of people don’t care about anyone else. Or still feel ‘cool’ not following the rules.

Either way, I think it’s probably for the best to let everyone get on with whatever they won’t to do. If people aren’t wearing masks and don’t have a valid reason they’re arses. But I really can’t get wound up about other people’s choices.

I truly and honestly do not know what their problem is, excluding those with genuine reasons for not wearing them.. what is the big deal? It's a piece of fabric.

It makes absolutely no difference to you if they aren't wearing one because they can't or won't. You do what you feel is right and leave everyone else alone.

Nicknacky Oh yes now that they can't complain about neighbours having someone in their garden or all the other gems we've had since March the emphasis has shifted to people not wearing masks
Its mad the very first call we had was someone reporting a man in Morrisons not wearing one. I mean really did he expect us to send cops to walk round the store looking for him

Covid19 has opened up a whole new level of pettiness from some people 🙄

Redglitter I had hoped (how I’m this naive I don’t know!) that people would have stopped phoning the polis for petty nonsense.

At my petrol station at the moment around 50% are wearing masks.

@Jaxhog

Blimey! I heard an announcement that implied they would be issuing exemption letters. If what you say is true, then any CF can 'opt-out'. But I'm guessing that any reasonable, caring person will be wearing one. We need to socially shun anyone who doesn't especially if they are smirking at us in our masks I guess. Please don't use this as an excuse to be a CF by not wearing one without a b*y good reason.

"Socially shun"?? Who on earth do you think you are?! If I am not wearing a mask it is because I have perfectly good reason not to and need not justify myself to arrogant idiots like you.