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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:
whitewineandmagnums · 04/12/2020 19:44

@user117226931 - ok, so to re-phrase - they could make him exempt. But my point is...lots of people with the same conditions automatically say "i'm exempt", when many of them could actually just fucking wear one.

RufustheSniggeringReindeer · 04/12/2020 19:45

Well let me tell those who think it's a good idea that people with disabilities shouldn't have to wear masks

No one has said that...they are saying that SOME people can’t wear a mask

Not that everyone who is disabled or exempt shouldn’t have to wear one

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:48

People are going out of their way to misconstrue what I say, got to love Mumsnet.

Not all disabilities are the same, or affect people in the same way. I can't believe I actually have to say that.

What it boils down to, is if you can wear a mask, please do. Even if it is a bit uncomfortable for you. The rule is there to protect everyone.

oblada · 04/12/2020 19:49

@FridayNightAtTheBronze

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.

You may find yourself on the wrong end of a very expensive law suit if you refuse entry to someone based on their disability. Whilst I appreciate some people abuse the system, this doesn't give you the right to discriminate against people with genuine disabilities making the wearing of a mask impossible. That you do not understand how it could be difficult for them is irrelevant (and a bit narrow minded to be honest).
lockeddownandcrazy · 04/12/2020 19:50

Everyone should just get on with it and wear one - this is the rule in most countries and things like asthma are just as prevalent there. Its been proven they dont reduce oxygen and if you were in a job that needed one you would wear or not keep the job. Self declared exemptions are a stupid thing to have.

You cant self exempt from seat belts, or PPE on a construction site, or even dodgy shoes at the bowling alley, so why masks?

Girlyracer · 04/12/2020 19:50

Berry - I'm saying the rights of everyone to avoid a potentially deadly illness is the priority and trumps someone's "right" to not wear a mask.

Clearly from comments on this thread and others I have read, there are numerous countries who are not fannying on and have implemented proper strict rules.

Girlyracer · 04/12/2020 19:52

In other countries there is no "SOME people can't wear a mask". For good reason. To protect everyone.

Spikeyball · 04/12/2020 19:53

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

So you think everyone could walk if they just wanted it enough.

I can guarantee that people with my son's disability do not manage to wear a mask whichever country they live in.

RufustheSniggeringReindeer · 04/12/2020 19:53

In other countries there is no "SOME people can't wear a mask". For good reason. To protect everyone

Of course there is 😀

Piwlyfbicsly · 04/12/2020 19:55

Ok, so what about people who are clinically vulnerable to Covid? Many of them are still forced to get out there ant work posing themselves to a high risk of Covid because they can’t lose their income. Surely they deserve to be protected too by our collective responsibility. I completely understand how uncomfortable it feels to have to explain of why you’re exempt. But if I was exempt and chose to go to a place where mask is required, I would not hesitate to explain why I’m not wearing one to the staff. We are in the middle of pandemic and we are talking about visiting a pub here with a very short time of wearing a mask. Can we get some perspective.

oblada · 04/12/2020 19:55

@Girlyracer

In other countries there is no "SOME people can't wear a mask". For good reason. To protect everyone.
Which countries do not allow exemptions? I'm curious. Especially if they're also signatories of the European declaration of human rights.
MondieBee · 04/12/2020 19:55

People ask "why are you exempt" because half the time they're not exempt for a good reason. I've yet actually to hear anyone on social media who say they are exempt say why they are exempt. If people had a good reason and are also the type of people to start threads complaining about managers etc, it follows they would be the same type of people shouting from the rooftops why they can't wear it. But suddenly 99% of the time they become coy just like OP. Doesn't take a genius to work out why.

ememem84 · 04/12/2020 19:56

I get panicky when I wear a mask. No legit exemption though so I have to just wear one and limit the amount of time I wear one for.

The system is open to abuse where I am as anyone can download the exemption form and apply for an exemption card. literally a tick box form. No medical referrals or anything.

No wonder we’ve got 440 cases here. With a population of 100k.

MondieBee · 04/12/2020 19:56

Honestly, why is it uncomfortable to say why you're exempt? You're not describing an intimate sexual issue ffs. It's uncomfortable because most doing it know others will think it's not a good reason.

FridayNightAtTheBronze · 04/12/2020 19:57

oblada

I'll take my chance on the lawsuit.

I have yet to ask someone (nicely) who hasn't then pulled out one and proceeded to wear it.

Those who genuinely can't wear one, bring someone along who can wear one, and that person comes in with the pet.

We are very clear about this, and everyone has so far been very respectful.

Veterinary practices are very different to other places of work with regards to ventilation. We absolutely cannot have any windows open, so the risk of rebreathing someone else's air is very high.

I won't apologise for protecting myself and my staff. And if someone wants to sue us, well they can go ahead. That's why we have insurance.

oblada · 04/12/2020 19:58

It should say the European convention etc! There should be an edit button!

It's fine to ask someone about exemption, it is not fine to ask for details or refuse service.
A mask isn't the solution to the pandemic either - let's get some perspective on this too. Social distancing is key.

berrygirlie · 04/12/2020 19:58

Honestly, why is it uncomfortable to say why you're exempt? You're not describing an intimate sexual issue ffs. It's uncomfortable because most doing it know others will think it's not a good reason.

Ah yes, because let's totally eradicate sexual assault victims with PTSD because that's not "describing an intimate sexual issue". Or even me - the amount of times the slur "retarded" is thrown around or using "autistic" as an example of extreme stupidity makes me a little hesitant to announce my disability (ESPECIALLY when I know I don't have to and whoever is asking is being intentionally probing)

MotherForker · 04/12/2020 20:02

My dd has ASD and sensory issues. Some things that you might describe as "a bit uncomfortable" cause her actual pain. This has been proven through numerous research papers.

She wears leggings for school and I'm sure lots of parent think that uniform trousers or skirt can't be that big a deal. But it is.

If my dd was an adult she would probably be stuck at home because of the disablist views on this thread.

loulouljh · 04/12/2020 20:02

I would be annoyed over this. You are exempt. End of.

RaskolnikovsGarret · 04/12/2020 20:04

It’s quite shocking the attitude on here towards people with disabilities. Yes there will always be a (small) number of people who pretend to be exempt just because they can’t be bothered with masks. But I’d rather that they ‘got away with it’ than those with disabilities be berated in any way for not wearing masks.

The vast majority of non-exempt people should and will wear masks. Let’s not further erode disabled people’s rights and quality of life because of the selfish few. If Covid spreads, the primary cause will not be the disabled people who either physically or mentally cannot wear masks.

oblada · 04/12/2020 20:04

FridayNightAtTheBronze - asking nicely is absolutely fine but if they insist you cannot refuse service.
Check your insurance would cover intentional/wilful discrimination.

Piwlyfbicsly · 04/12/2020 20:05

@MotherForker
School is well aware of difficulties your daughter is facing and she is not risking anyone’s health by wearing leggings.
You are comparing your situation to a person visiting a pub being asked of why they don’t wear a mask?

loulouljh · 04/12/2020 20:05

And for an exemption all you have to say is your are exempt. No obligation to "prove" it or to give information. I would love to see people sue these establishments who are not accepting of this.

Livelovebehappy · 04/12/2020 20:07

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FoxyTheFox · 04/12/2020 20:08

Well let me tell those who think it's a good idea that people with disabilities shouldn't have to wear masks, the rest of us are mightily concerned that you are placing us and our elderly people at risk. Eyes will be boring into you as you swan about.

Do you speak for everyone then? I see far more people wearing masks incorrectly than not wearing them at all and of the people I see not wearing them it doesn't occur to me to wonder why, I simply presume they have reasons and carry on tending to my own business.

Honestly, why is it uncomfortable to say why you're exempt?

Because no one has an obligation to disclose their private information and to force them to do so could constitute discrimination depending on their circumstances therefore a simple "I'm exempt" should be all that is required. No one needs to know the why or the how and no one should be compelled to explain it if they don't want to.