Face masks proof of exemption

[PumpkinP]

I am exempt from wearing face masks due to asthma , I just was expecting to show my asthma pump but today my mum was on the bus and she said the police got on and was demanding proof from people and saying that they needed to see a drs letter. Do I need a doctors letter? As I haven’t heard that you do till now.

No, you don’t need a doctor’s letter.

Asthma in have a print out and EBay have heart shaped badges with mask exempt asthma on them for 3.50.No proof is required.I too have asthma I will wear them in shops though.

I’m not sure why she is telling me the police were demanding letters then, hmm

They may have been PCSOs or Specials who do get a bit confused now and then, bless em.

That's quite scary if true. No you don't need a doctor's letter if you are exempt.

GPs will not provide exemption letters. As this GP states 'there is almost nobody who cannot wear a mask':

www.facebook.com/170100249688369/posts/3313373845360978/?vh=e

I’m asthmatic and have chronically low O2 levels but can wear masks no problem - is there really an exemption for asthma?

Yes there is a list of exemptions. Interesting that drs won’t provide letters, my mum said she has one?

My GP is not doing them because proof is not required.

I have acquired a hidden disabilities lanyard and card in case we take ds anywhere and someone is so thick they cannot understand that a non verbal autistic 15 year old can't wear one.

"there is almost nobody who cannot wear a mask':"
That is bollocks. Even the tory government isn't saying that.

@FallingIguanas Goodness, is that your GP?
That sort of attitude from doctors is horrendous.

No, an exemption letter is not needed, but his arrogance in that clip is astounding!

@ActuallyItsEugene no, it was shared on Facebook. He is correct though imo. Very few people cannot wear a mask in the settings they are being asked to do so. I suspect his tone very probably comes from numerous patients requesting (possibly unnecessary) exemption letters.

My doctors have said they are not doing exemption letters as masks do not limit the amount of oxygen going into the body so people have to get them from elsewhere. They're also not accepting exemption letters so if you need to go into the surgery, you have to be wearing a mask or you cant see the nurse or doctor.

I have asthma and wear a mask when required with no issyes for what it's worth but I know it wont be like that for everyone.

www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/

We know people are worried about being publicly confronted or fined for not wearing a face covering, as wearing them is now mandatory on public transport in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It will be mandatory to wear face coverings in Wales from 27 July.

We’re urgently seeking clarity on how people can identify themselves as having asthma. The following bus and train companies have face covering exemption cards, which you can print out and take with you on your journeys:

Arriva exemption card
First Bus/First Group exemption card
Nexus journey assistance card
Stagecoach face covering journey assistance card
Transport for London exemption card

If you need to travel with any other transport provider, we recommend contacting them well in advance of your journey and discussing your options with them.

Face covering exemption card
We have a downloadable graphic that you can show on your phone or other device that explains why you're not wearing a face covering.

I don't think you need to prove your asthmatic but getting a card could be helpful- I wouldn't get an appointment with GP for any thing like a letter that at the minute.

Omg that sounds a bit ...well. scary to be honest.

Do you believe your mum...?

It's easy enough to get an exemption card from a travel provider though if you need one and that should be enough.

I think maybe she’s getting it mixed up, I don’t know, I didn’t even think they were really sending police on buses I thought that was just something said to just scare people, makes me wonder if they will be doing the same in shops as well.

"They're also not accepting exemption letters so if you need to go into the surgery, you have to be wearing a mask or you cant see the nurse or doctor."

If that is true then some severely disabled people will end up not being treated and the surgery will be in serious trouble so they won't actually mean not see anyone.

But thinking about it I’ve been told that drivers aren’t meant to challenge people not wearing a mask but I have been asked by a couple of bus drivers.

"They're also not accepting exemption letters so if you need to go into the surgery, you have to be wearing a mask or you cant see the nurse or doctor."

That cannot be true surely! If so they are basically admitting to denying treatment to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

All those babies not being seen for a start.

@PaperScissorsRock

I’m asthmatic and have chronically low O2 levels but can wear masks no problem - is there really an exemption for asthma?

There is no specific exemption for asthma or any other condition.

You need a 'reasonable excuse' not to wear one and there is a list of examples, the first of which is:

(a) P cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering—

(i) because of any physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability (within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010(7)), or

(ii) without severe distress;

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/592/part/2/made

So if you can wear a mask with no problem then you are not exempt (unless you have another 'reasonable excuse').

I would be very surprised if this was what happened without any further detail.

Surely GPs have more important things to do in a pandemic that dealing with numerous requests for mask exemptions? The government webpage is pretty clear : www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Wearing a mask doesn't effect your oxygen levels. I too have asthma, having asthma is MORE of a reason to wear one than not wear one imo

From what I've read you can get an exemption card from a charity for 55p...

I told her that I don’t need to wear one and I’m exempt and she said they can check?! How exactly?? They can’t go through confidential drs records surely?? That’s when she said then you need a letter to prove it.