Face mask exemptions?

[anon543216]

Relative struggling very much with facemasks due to sexual abuse, and metbal health issues - can’t bear to have something covering her face and can’t totally cope with others having them on either . Has similar worries with seeing optician, dentist, hairdressers etc .

Have managed to reduce worries by getting online deliveries for food and others going to pharmacy etc, but I imagine this is a long term thing that we’ll need masks on ...

Have suggested maybe GP could give her some sort of medical exemption and I guess as well that masks aren’t yet required by law, but not sure what’s best ?

Struggling to the point of hyperventilating and blacking out I mean, it’s not just that she feels uncomfortable as such unfortunately .

Maybe look to see what other countries have done which require face masks in some contexts, it might give you an indication of what might be possible in the UK.

Or worry if it actually happens? At the moment they are only advised.

She doesnt need to wear one, so I dont understand why the need for medical exemption?

Well they’re not legally required so not sure why this is an issue...

She doesn't have to and probably shouldn't wear one - I can't for the same reason. I think the Spanish have an exemption for anxiety (as well as asthma)

Is your relative in a country where they're compulsory?

In the same way that the lockdown restrictions were gradually tweaked to accommodate various special needs (e.g. allowing people with autism to go out more than once a day if needed), if face masks become compulsory in the UK, I should imagine that exemptions will apply in various circumstances.

These would likely include asthma (where they exacerbate symptoms), anxiety (in circs where they might be triggering), and so on.

Obviously an exemption won't help with her being triggered by seeing other people in the masks though - I'd imagine that would be a longer term CBT-type journey.

They aren't compulsory. No exemption needed.

Thank you ... we are in Scotland so no, not compulsary . It was more for a safety sort of thing, she’s reliant on taxis/public transport ... and she was worried that the doctors’ surgery/hospital for instance might well insist upon it - she has a couple of routine appointments next month that they’re still wanting to see her face to face for .

Will try to speak to her MH team next week when they call, they did suggest wearing one at times to try and gradually get used to it just in case it becomes more essential .

Could she try sewing a filter into a scarf or snood and using that instead?

Probably not ideal but might feel a bit less invasive.

and she was worried that the doctors’ surgery/hospital for instance might well insist upon it - she has a couple of routine appointments next month that they’re still wanting to see her face to face for

She might be better phoning her doctor & the hospital to discuss it. All the surgeries around here are insisting on patients wearing masks if they're entering the building. It might be an idea to find out what the rules are with the ones shes going to