How to go about getting a medical exemption from mask wearing?

[maskedanxiety]

I've tried really hard to wear a mask when on public transport, and now in shops, but I can't anymore. My original mask was a KN95 and I only wore it once because I was violently sick after a few minutes after feeling nauseous and suffocated.

I've since switched to disposable masks which offer slightly more "breathing space" but after I went to a department store today and wore one for more than 10 minutes like I have done previously on the bus, I started having breathing difficulties and panic attacks. I don't know why?! I want to do my bit and help protect myself and others through mask wearing but I simply can't do it

I've looked online at the Gov.uk website and it says I just need to print out a form and carry it with me?! Surely I need something more that this??

I booked online with my GP for a telephone consultation about getting a mask exemption, but the next availability is not until Thursday.

Does anyone have an exemption and can provide some clarity?

A GP was on BBC news earlier this week specifically requesting patients don't call them to ask for mask exemption forms, as the one online is fine on it's own and they are really busy playing catch up on the things that got delayed due to lock down. So sounds like the online one should hopefully be enough.

My son is autistic and one of the charities that work with him sent us an exemption card to print off and carry round.

He is exempt due to his age anyway but it's handy to have as the rest of us wear them.

There's loads online anyway. If you want one you can just print one off. There's nothing 'official'.

It appears that this is not being policed - they are effectively allowing people to self-declare as exempt.

I’m not exempt but yes I think it’s all you need.

Thanks for the replies! I'm really surprised I can just print a form out online and that's that.

My limit is 15 minutes before I totally panic and can't breathe
I'm not exempt though so I'll avoid shops as far as possible. But yes, in theory, you can just download a form. Nobody is legally allowed to challenge you for not wearing a mask anyway.

You don't even need to print the form. You can get it on your mobile if you have one and it's a smart phone.

I get what you're saying and I'm sure many of those who think covid is a hoax could and would also use it.

But I imagine most are genuine and the people who wear one who can and should are enough that the minority who can't or abuse it don't have too much of an effect.

Same as they needed 80% compliance for lockdown to work.

You can print one off online from here, they have been developed by the Govt.
OP, you’ve tried. Give yourself a break. Many millions of other people will wear one and so collectively the nation is doing its bit
www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

FWIW my ds is autistic. He's wearing a mask on my encouragement but if he genuinely was struggling one day and needed to remove it I'd let him and just tell anyone who asked he's excempt.

There is a print out on arriva buses and TFL and many travel companies.I looked it up as I have anxiety so bad getting on the bus would be a miracle.
There is also some badges available online which should stop questions.

Thank you again everyone. I've found a website that produces exemption badges so have ordered one!