Been told now have to wear mask at work

[Snailsetssail]

I’m having anxiety attacks about it already.

I am exempt due to anxiety
But I don’t want everyone to know I’m exempt
Full staff meeting on Tuesday with 70 staff For 4 hours with mask required

I know there isn’t anything I can do but I’m feeling angry and upset over this and it’s ruined the positive frame of mind I had for myself into for the start of work again.

Before anyone starts:
Yes I know some people have to wear them all day. I didn’t chose a career where this was required because I know I couldn’t wear one.
Yes I know I will be wearing one when on a ventilator if the odds of me getting and suffering badly from CV happen (absolutely miniscule).

I would sit right at the back, move chair if possible

Bearing in mind most reports are saying adult to adult transmission in schools, and therefore the Government are reiterating SD between staff. Having you all sit together in a meeting is a recipe for disaster

It’s a large hall, so possibly space for 1m apart if they plan carefully.

I have asked if there is an option for staff to do the session remotely if they feel uncomfortable about the large group setting.

I have bought a chiffon scarf with extra ear loops, doesn't look too mask like and is soft. I've also used the many scarves I own, and my skiing buff/gaiter was brilliant in Scotland, you just pull it up as required - they are £2 on eBay in dozen+ colours, ideal in cooler months. Focus on finding something that is less mask like

We're in the school theatre. All of us. Alternate seats and we can wear masks if we like -which is new. More than 70 staff!

Are you not exempt due to it causing considerable distress due to the anxiety? that is from the gov guidance on masks..

could you get a sunflower lanyard and wear that?

If you felt you needed a face covering, could you wear a polo neck top or jumper and roll it up, or a snood? You should just be able to tell your line manager and it be fine, but you may then find that other staff will question you.

@Snailsetssail

I don’t want to be thought of as someone who thinks more about themselves than the health of others.

Do you know thats how your colleagues would feel about you or are you just assuming and over thinking due to your anxiety? What do you think their reaction would be if it was a pupil that was exempt? If they'd accept it from a pupil then they should accept it from you. But in all seriousness sod what anyone else thinks do what's right for you, there's a list of exemptions for a reason.

In your position I'd ask for reasonable adjustments and go back to remote.

Plus masks are meant to be extra protection where you cant be remote.

Perhaps a chat with slt?

@Snailsetssail

I don’t want to be thought of as someone who thinks more about themselves than the health of others.

The solution is entirely in your hands then.

Your actions upon others may cause them more than anxiety so do the right thing by them and they would have no idea that you think your anxiety trumps their health and that of their loved ones.

I also work in a school and we have been asked to wear face visors at all times. Would a face visor work for you...they might accept that instead of a mask.

I've also got several hours of inset in a school hall and we've been asked to wear masks (not for school days unless we want to, just for inset - we won't really be mixing with each other on normal school days ). School hall is easily big enough to distance in. And there's so much to go through that doing it all remotely would be hell - makes my eyes throb just thinking about it. We also need some kind of actual human connection. Remote training is dreadful.

Having said that, I do think it should be an option for people who are anxious about a large gathering.

As for not wearing a mask - will you even have to say anything to anyone? If I see any of my colleagues without a mask I will just assume they are either exempt or an objector. I won't need to ask them about it.