To ask the mask police to please PLEASE stop

[PennyDreadfuI]

Another mask thread but I'm not going to apologise because I'm absolutely at the end of my tether with this sort of thing.

I can't wear a mask because I have trigeminal neuralgia and I've lost count of the stares, comments and filthy looks I've had (and yes, I do wear a lanyard, even though I'm not keen on advertising the fact that I have a hidden health condition). I've heard of people not being allowed on buses, being challenged by staff to explain their reason for exemption and being told they can't enter shops despite being exempt (none of which is legal). I've been told I should wear a visor (I can't, and they're next to useless anyway - Scotland have just banned them unless they're worn with a mask), that I should just stay at home (I can't and neither do government guidelines suggest I should), that I shouldn't use buses (I don't drive and can't walk long distances or cycle because I have inflammatory arthritis) and that I'm selfish (I'm not - if I could wear a mask, I would).

I understand this is a contentious issue but please, can people just think for a minute before they judge or comment? Exemptions are there for a reason - those who are sticklers for The Rules should surely accept and respect this one, too. It's awful that people are too scared to go out for fear of what's essentially discrimination.

The pandemic is bad enough by itself - let's not lose our sense of empathy and humanity, too.

@LillianBland

I agree.

Self reflecting now on possibly looking at people funny for wearing a lanyard with nothing on it.

I had no idea it was a thing expected of people. Imagine feeling so bullied that you had to do that. Its awful that it has come to this.

Anybody who actually believed everyone was going to follow the rules is a bit deluded. Oppression has always resulted in rebellion.

But the people trying to do their best get caught up in the hysteria of each extreme trying to control the other.

It's scary.

Just been to Asda and overhead someone asking a member of staff 'Why is she allowed in without a mask?' (clearly about me, we were the only people in the aisle). Staff member said that some people are exempt and there's 'nothing we can do about it'. Customer said 'You should call the police and get her arrested'.

I suppose I should have said something but I really didn't want to get into a debate about exemptions with two blokes who evidently had made up their minds anyway.

pathetic entitled wombat.

You did well to stay silent.

@chickenyhead

pathetic entitled wombat.

You did well to stay silent.

There's absolutely no point getting into it in these situations.

I was wearing a lanyard, incidentally, which just goes to show (again) that in many situations they're neither use nor ornament.

You've every right to be cheesed off, especially if you're wearing a lanyard.

I'm pregnant and high risk and do get fed up with the idiots who aren't wearing them for "political" reasons, but I also see it as my responsibility to steer well clear of anyone not wearing a mask right now

@PennyDreadfuI

Just been to Asda and overhead someone asking a member of staff 'Why is she allowed in without a mask?' (clearly about me, we were the only people in the aisle). Staff member said that some people are exempt and there's 'nothing we can do about it'. Customer said 'You should call the police and get her arrested'.

I suppose I should have said something but I really didn't want to get into a debate about exemptions with two blokes who evidently had made up their minds anyway.

That’s awful. I’m sorry you had that experience.

I agree about lanyards though. I don’t know why I bother because it makes me feel vulnerable to wear it.

It’s like a big fuck off sign “come slabber at me”

To be honest until reading this thread I didn’t know the lanyards were even a thing.

I just don’t see the point of judging people. I have a hidden disability, not one that prevents me wearing a mask but would prevent me from say, giving up a tube seat to someone more in need of one. So I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of unwarranted judgment from strangers. I just don’t think there’s any need for it. I certainly have no sympathy whatsoever for this fellow-

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8644853/Man-haranguing-rail-staff-not-wearing-masks-knocked-unconscious.html#article-8644853

Who was filming and harassing station staff at Clapham Junction for not wearing masks and got punched in the face. Whilst I don’t agree with violence of any kind, I don’t feel sorry for him at all.

@Noneformethanks

I'm not sure most people know about them.

You aren't required to advertise your vulnerabilities, i don't think that you should feel obliged to wear it at all.

I don't think many people know about the lanyards at all, no, apart from some shop staff and public transport staff who are aware of the scheme. There probably needs to be more awareness of it, not just for the benefit of the mask exempt but also for everyone else the scheme helps.

On the subject of masks, though, there also needs to be more awareness of exemptions and that proof (or lanyards/cards/badges) is not required. And that lanyards etc are not mandatory. There's still this notion which persists that GPs can provide some sort of recognised exemption certificate.

A lady on my friend's Facebook status the other day was berating a shopper at Matalan for wearing a 'fake printed off badge' (because there are genuine ones apparently ). She said she told the security guard, who told the customer that if the police saw the 'fake' badge she'd be fined.

So. Much. Ignorance.

Regarding the poster who had the issues in Asda, the customer complaining to the staff member about why they were allowed to enter the shop with no mask.
Firstly, if that customer was so frightened of getting Covid -19, why are they going to a supermarket?
Secondly, shop staff have been told not to challenge people not wearing a mask, they may politely remind people. Most staff say nothing.
If people are that scared about people not wearing a mask, they should politely fuck off and get a life.

Nobody should have to wear a lanyard.
If someone is not wearing a mask and you don't like it, just keep extra- far away from them.
The Gvt should be very clear that no-one has to advertise their circumstances to busybody strangers.

The govt halve been. But it doesn’t seem to make a difference.

Ironically, Asda (and Sainsbury's) both have regular tannoy announcements reminding customers that some people are exempt and also may have issues with social distancing due to hidden disabilities and to please be understanding. It would be fantastic if all shops did something similar - and if people actually listened and acted on it.

Maybe everywhere where there is a mask sign there should also be a mind your own business one with it? Bigger. And NEON

I'm surprised. I live in London and I barely see anyonr wearing masks at all.

I live in London and barely see anyone not wearing masks!

Funny old world, eh?! Like when you only notice pregnant women when you are trying to get pregnant or couples when you’re single.

@chickenyhead

Maybe everywhere where there is a mask sign there should also be a mind your own business one with it? Bigger. And NEON

Maybe there should be a 'mind your own business' lanyard instead of a sunflower one!

Where I am the vast majority wear masks. When I'm on a bus I'm usually the only person without one. There's a lady who gets on at the same stop as me sometimes who doesn't wear one, and a man who occasionally gets on with his carer who doesn't (his carer does). In shops and shopping centres I'm also very much in the minority. Those without masks are pretty evenly split in terms of lanyards or not.

Sorry my predictive text has defaulted to the wrong language!

Non mask wearing people have legitimate exemptions in law. Your post is disablist.