Page 2 | Mask exemption

MissMaple82 · 2020-07-26T22:06:50+00:00

Anybody else with a reason not to wear a mask, and not wanting to wear a mask, in fear of going out without their mask due to possibility of harassment or abuse? I've not been out shopping yet but will need to go soon. How have other people experiences been? Its giving me great anxiety!

PickAChew · 01/08/2020 00:36

@BookSkark

I'm asthmatic and wore a mask for the first time today. It was horrible - I could only breathe through my nose and avoided talking to DS as it was becoming too claustrophobic. I only had it on for five minutes max, but it was enough to convince me not to go shopping unless I have to.

But does that mean I can't wear a mask, or just that I don't like it? I genuinely don't know what I should do - I don't want to be mask-shamed, but I cannot spend any length of time like that - unless it's something that you get used to, but I have no idea if that's the case.

I don't like wearing a mask but I don't struggle nearly as much as you describe. I just get a sweaty, itchy face and a sore nose from trying to stop my glasses from fogging. Then, eventually, a raging headache.

makingmiracles · 01/08/2020 00:40

@PickAChew I would never give someone a funny look for not wearing a mask, or make a comment, I just feel like there are a tiny minority who wouldn’t even consider other options- sensory related, yes I get a visor might not work either, but anxiety or struggling to breath-a visor gives at least a little protection for the individual and others.

Maybe my perception is skewed as I work with adults with various LD who have all been great with having to wear a mask, despite autism etc and I know adults with copd who are mask wearing.

Have you considered a sunflower lanyard?

SalemSaberhagenSpellman · 01/08/2020 00:47

I have ptsd, I have the printed "pass"
Thankfully I was with dh as the jobsworth security guard stopped and asked, fair enough. Nope that wasn't enough, the ins and outs of my condition were expected. An email has been sent to head office about the blatant disability discrimination. I am not prepared to discuss my medical history just to buy a loaf of fucking bread.

PhilCornwall1 · 01/08/2020 00:54

I cannot wear one and have the Sunflower lanyard with the Mask Exempt card on it.

I've only been to B&Q and the Chemist since they became mandatory and the staff were fine.

The people I thought would potentially give me grief didn't take any notice. I got some hard stares from a few, shall we say, people of a mature generation (who weren't wearing them either), but they didn't say anything, which was a bonus, as I can't be doing with any hassle.

PhilCornwall1 · 01/08/2020 00:59

How does hearing loss exempt you from wearing a face covering?!?!?

It doesn't, a mask is still worn.

The problem is hearing people clearly that are wearing them. The lanyard says that the wearer suffers from hearing loss and may struggle to hear you.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 01/08/2020 08:25

This is ridiculous isn’t it. We needed a proper health education campaign about wearing face coverings:

what they should be made of

that they shouldn’t have an exhalation valve unless it’s a filtered valve

how to wear them

how to take them off

care/laundry/decontamination/disposal

why we’re wearing masks, and who they protect

what to do if you can’t wear a mask - badges, lanyards etc.

some people can’t wear a mask, and why they can’t is none of your business. They will be wearing a badge or lanyard, and you should just let them be.

if you can wear a mask but decide you’re too important to wear one or it breaches your “human rights” - stay the fuck at home and stop making it worse for people who really can’t wear masks.

People who can’t wear masks are just like people who can’t have vaccinations because of medical conditions, and vaccine non-responders. Those of us who can be vaccinated/wear masks owe it to those who can’t to be vaccinated/wear masks to make it safer for everyone.

Will the government do this? No, of course not.

Yetiyoga · 01/08/2020 10:10

I would never confront anyone for not wearing one, people have their reasons and that is up to them and no-one else. I find them suffocating, I hate it. But am sticking with it and am trialling different types to see what works for me.
I have to say though, there were a family in home bargains yesterday (extended family) 6 adults and lots of kids with them (aged about 4 up to 16) and not one of the adults had a face mask on. Of course they may all be exempt but I just feel the chances of all 6 adults being exempt hard to believe. Did I say anything? No. It is none of my business. But I did silently wonder if really none of them could wear one.

QueenofmyPrinces · 01/08/2020 10:17

Is anyone medical in charge of deciding who can have the lanyards and exemption cards, or can anyone just get one with no monitoring of it? I.e, if someone simply doesn’t want to wear a mask because they don’t like them, can they just go and order/buy a lanyard/exemption card without anyone monitoring the situation?

If it helps OP, I have seen many people in shops who aren’t wearing masks and I honestly don’t think anything negative about it or think negative of them - I just assume they have a reason for it, and carry on with my shopping.

starfish4 · 01/08/2020 15:05

I work in a shop and so glad I've read this thread as I'd never heard of the sunflower lanyard. Right from the beginning we were told we could refuse to assist/serve someone who doesn't given us a comfortable level of social distancing. Never refused to help, but have had to ask some to step back further three times. We can relax a little now customers and staff are wearing masks, but at least the lanyard will help me understand someone isn't been difficult or inconsiderate and perhaps I should be the one gently stepping back rather than insisting they do

sleepyblueocean · 01/08/2020 15:21

"Is anyone medical in charge of deciding who can have the lanyards and exemption cards, or can anyone just get one with no monitoring of it? I.e, if someone simply doesn’t want to wear a mask because they don’t like them, can they just go and order/buy a lanyard/exemption card without anyone monitoring the situation?"

No there is no one medical deciding it. Doctors and people's consultants have other things to do. How would they know anyway - force a mask on some one and see how distressed they get?
The number of people who would wear a lanyard or badge just because they can't be bothered to or are against wearing a mask is very small.

cologne4711 · 01/08/2020 15:26

Thankfully I was with dh as the jobsworth security guard stopped and asked, fair enough. Nope that wasn't enough, the ins and outs of my condition were expected. An email has been sent to head office about the blatant disability discrimination. I am not prepared to discuss my medical history just to buy a loaf of fucking bread

Security guards are generally arses because they're usually after shoplifters. I would simply ignore them, you don't have to explain yourself to them and you had the pass. All you need to say is "I've shown you I am exempt" and repeat in case they are massively hard of hearing. And move on.

And I am amazed that someone working in a shop has never heard of the lanyard. It's not a new thing and was introduced some time ago for hidden disabilities.

SJK34 · 01/08/2020 15:37

@BookSkark

I'm asthmatic and wore a mask for the first time today. It was horrible - I could only breathe through my nose and avoided talking to DS as it was becoming too claustrophobic. I only had it on for five minutes max, but it was enough to convince me not to go shopping unless I have to.

But does that mean I can't wear a mask, or just that I don't like it? I genuinely don't know what I should do - I don't want to be mask-shamed, but I cannot spend any length of time like that - unless it's something that you get used to, but I have no idea if that's the case.

Could you try on some other masks to see if it’s a fit issue or if you would do better with a different material? I have asthma and it has been hard for me to breathe lately so I was nervous about wearing a mask. But mine didn’t make it any more difficult and I could definitely breathe through my mouth. It was actually a relief for me. Mine are made from quilting cotton and have fabric ties.

I do know what it’s like to be anxious about not being able to breathe so you have my sympathies there! Hopefully you can find one that doesn’t affect you so severely.

BookSkark · 01/08/2020 15:45

Thanks for the suggestions - mine are quilting cotton as well. I'll persevere and see how I get on, but I suspect the reality is I'll just avoid places where I need to wear one (as far as possible) - I can work from home and having no problems with food deliveries, so I don't really need to go anywhere. At least it'll save some cash if I'm not shopping!

BatShite · 01/08/2020 16:45

I am exempt (and have tried multiple workarounds, none help) and am staying in totally. My husband has had endless attacks from members of the public due to his none wearing of the mask. Staff all are understanding and fine, but busybodies screaming in his face or being very rude have been common. He has no issue if someone just..speaks to him and asks. But apparently its usually massive attitude problem and being a twat, rather than acting like an actual human being. And if thats whats going on, I don't want to be on the recieving end tbh, so..hiding away.

Original poster

MissMaple82 · 01/08/2020 16:47

Thanks guys, I purchased one if the sunflower lanyards. So far ive been to the chemist and Asda and although I was asked by a narky staff member at the chemist, I wasn't asked in Asda which was a relief.

Most people who have a genuine reason to not wear a mask would quite happily pay the 6 pound I paid to avoid a scene. Those that just don't want to are highly unlikely to go out of their way to order and pay for one, nor would they be afraid of any confrontation.

I hope people are respectful out there, there's lots of reasons why people may struggle with the masks. The majority of folk are wearing them and I guess that's the main thing!

OP posts:

BatShite · 01/08/2020 16:48

Dh has been beside himself on nighttimes, saying he wishes he could wear one. Even a visor wasn't possible. He has very very bad breathing issues, and also suffers panic attacks if he feels..boxed in in any way due to trauma issues.

People assume hes just won't wear one. Hence, being twatty and attitudey. Staff have no issue, security have no issue, but randomers seem to think its their job to challenge him even when they have seen him talking to staff,m or have heard him explain to someone else the reasons.

Aeris1 · 01/08/2020 17:43

I have taken my son out twice this week and we don't wear masks, I was in Home Bargains today and a women working on the till noticed I was using Makaton and sign to talk to my little boy and she did the same to speak to him which was lovely. She said I am exempt from wearing one, I have found staff in most shops are really good. I am going to carry on doing what I feel is right for us.