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AIBU?

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Original poster

Aibu or is this discrimination? Mask exemption

278 replies

Lowhangingfruit · 04/12/2020 16:37

Got challenged in a pub about not wearing a mask. I have an exemption card, she said it wasn't a big deal just wear one. It's our policy. Then 2 people walk in not wearing masks and walk around and she didn't say a word to them??? So aibu to be pissed off.

OP posts:
TrixieHeliotrope · 04/12/2020 19:19

There was nothing wrong with her asking, but she shouldn't have told you to put it on after she knew you couldn't.

berrygirlie · 04/12/2020 19:20

Sorry small rant incoming - there seems to be a complete lack of trust in disabled people on this thread to actually know how their fucking disability affects them and be able to make appropriate risk assessments.

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:20

I'm a nurse in a veterinary practice. The number of people who are exempt, but then pull out a mask and wear it when you refuse them entry is shockingly high. We don't feel bad asking, as we have to protect our staff too.

As vets and nurses, we absolutely have to wear masks for prolonged periods to operate on animals (4-5 hours non stop at a time) in a sterile environment. Many of us have asthma, anxiety and medical conditions, but we still manage, because it is necessary.

It's hard to see how very short term mask wearing is really that difficult, but I'm sure someone will be along soon to tell me.

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:22

Sorry, I meant to say, in conclusion, that I really don't think she was unreasonable to press you about this.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:23

Many of us have asthma, anxiety and medical conditions, but we still manage, because it is necessary.

If someone had a medication condition that prevented them wearing a mask then I presume they would be off sick or would have a fit note stating they needed non-mask wearing duties for the duration of their condition.

If it was a long term condition or a disability then they wouldn't be working in operating environments if they couldn't wear a mask, would they?

It's hard to see how very short term mask wearing is really that difficult

It is if it causes the person pain, worsening symptoms, or distress.

Piwlyfbicsly · 04/12/2020 19:27

@RufustheSniggeringReindeer
But noone can question me according to OP.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:27

Sorry, I meant to say, in conclusion, that I really don't think she was unreasonable to press you about this

Government guidance states that staff should be "mindful and respectful" when asking customers to wear masks and should understand that some people are exempt, this member of staff certainly did not comply with this.

The Equality Act states that businesses should not single out disabled customers for less favourable treatment than non-disabled customers.

Alonelonelyloner · 04/12/2020 19:27

I live outside the UK and we've all been wearing masks since March. Everyone. Everywhere.
I don't see anyone not complying. Literally no one.

Either we don't have people with problems or the UK has a crazily high number of people with problems. Or everyone here stays indoors always if they can't.
I just don't get the disparity.

It is clearly abused in the UK so getting the side eye doesn't sound strange to me.

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:28

FoxyTheFox

You can't be a vet or nurse without being able to wear a mask, so I suppose they would choose a different profession.

My point is, that if something is important enough to someone, they will manage to do it. But of course, I don't expect everyone to agree with this view.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:29

Just because you don't see disabled people doesn't mean they don't exist, the majority of countries have exemptions in place for those unable to wear masks so all this "everyone here wears one and doesn't complain" simply isn't true.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:30

My point is, that if something is important enough to someone, they will manage to do it.

Seriously? Walking is really important to my FIL, how should he go about managing to do it with no legs...?

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:31

Force of will does not cure someone of disability and it does not enable to carry out tasks that their disability prevents them from doing.

Piwlyfbicsly · 04/12/2020 19:31

@FoxyTheFox
So do people have to have a proof for their condition or disability to get the “exempt” badge? I genuinely don’t understand. Surely it can’t be enough to say “I am exempt”? (I’m asking because I don’t know)

ScottishStottie · 04/12/2020 19:32

Someone mask exempt is not the same as someone being disabled neccessarily.

Yes im sure there are some disabilities that render the person unable to wear a mask, but refusing entry to someone mask exenpt is not neccessaarily breaking any laws or discriminating. If you have no legally protected characteristics of the legally defined 'disabled' then you are not being discriminated against.

Maybe if fewer people were snowflakes about it all then there would be less of an issue about everyones rights.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:33

It is enough to say "I'm exempt" and the government have stated staff should be mindfulness and respectful when asking. There are cards available for download on the gov.uk website but these are optional and only there for people who would prefer to hand over a card than explain verbally.

FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 19:34

Maybe if fewer people were snowflakes about it all then there would be less of an issue about everyones rights.

Sorry, I automatically ignore anyone who uses the word "snowflakes" as an insult as, in my experience, it generally indicates that twatty bigotry is about to spew forth.

whitewineandmagnums · 04/12/2020 19:35

Unfortunately I think the problem is that there are so many people out there who look for any reason at all not to wear one (even if they actually could do, even if officially exempt). And obviously it's impossible to say in a crowd of people which are genuinely unable and which are bullshitting. Not helped by the people with their nose hanging out, it sling round their neck pain etc. So Joe Public assume everyone is taking the piss.

My DF had a number of very serious health conditions, all of which clearly make him exempt. However, he luckily still feels comfortable to wear one, so he does.

I think a significant proportion of those who are officially exempt COULD actually wear one, but use it as a get out card. And obviously there are others who blatantly disregard or lie.

So people are cynical - which understandably has a horrible sense effect on those with a genuine exception.

user117226931 · 04/12/2020 19:38

These threads always turn my stomach. It is disturbing how comfortable people are openly discriminating against disabled people.

RufustheSniggeringReindeer · 04/12/2020 19:40

[quote Piwlyfbicsly]@RufustheSniggeringReindeer
But noone can question me according to OP.[/quote]
I see what you mean

You are saying that you would be lying if you said you were exempt therefore others must be lying

I wouldn’t lie so assume others wouldn’t, I’d rather someone who was disabled (for example) wasn't embarrassed and humiliated by being refused entrance and I’m not sure what benefit the questioning would have

(I absolutely understand you are not saying for one second that you would lie, you are using it as an example)

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:40

FoxyTheFox

Being physically unable to walk is very different to being a bit uncomfortable wearing a mask, but OK.

Businesses have a right to protect their employees, and if they don't wear a mask, they don't come in with their pet. Most people are very understanding of this rule in our practice, and realise that it is to keep our staff safe, not to be difficult.

OuiOuiKitty · 04/12/2020 19:41

@Alonelonelyloner

I live outside the UK and we've all been wearing masks since March. Everyone. Everywhere. I don't see anyone not complying. Literally no one.

Either we don't have people with problems or the UK has a crazily high number of people with problems. Or everyone here stays indoors always if they can't.
I just don't get the disparity.

It is clearly abused in the UK so getting the side eye doesn't sound strange to me.

I think the same thing whenever I see threads about non mask wearing in the UK. Is it common or does it just seem that way due to all the threads here? I've never seen anyone here in a situation where they are supposed to be wearing a mask not wearing one. I feel like mumsnet probably makes it seem like lots of people aren't but in reality it is really rare?
user117226931 · 04/12/2020 19:41

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berrygirlie · 04/12/2020 19:41

My point is, that if something is important enough to someone, they will manage to do it.

That's incredible Shock! You see, here I was sitting around thinking my debilitating autism and subsequent struggles were a life sentence but little did I know I could just wish it away! Wow! I feel so much better!

Fuck sake.

Girlyracer · 04/12/2020 19:42

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berrygirlie · 04/12/2020 19:43

Human rights are one thing. Dealing with a deadly pandemic which arrives once a century is another thing all together.

Did you truly just insinuate that the human rights of disabled people don't matter when a pandemic rolls around?

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