Sockwomble, I do think that because someone’s matter that makes them exempt from mask wearing means they create a bigger risk of Covid transmission, then yes, highlighting that they have a valid reason not to wear the mask, is reasonable.
Often with other exemptions, the exemption has absolutely no bearing on anyone else and therefore really is no-one else’s business. Covid however spreads indoors in public places and not wearing masks increases that risk to those around the non-mask wearer. We all know that. And I think most people accept too that some people need to be exempt and still fully entitled to visit those places. But the reality is that the risk is increased as a result.
I think that for many coming out of shielding at the moment, venturing into public spaces is a big worry. If they feel most people will be wearing a mask that helps them. If they know people not wearing masks are doing so for valid reasons, that helps them because firstly there is a good reason but secondly, the numbers in that category will be limited. If no-one has a way or no one chooses to indicate that they have a good reason not to wear a mask, it opens up the possibility and makes it easier for those who DONT have a reason to be exempt, to just choose not to wear a mask and in some areas, that reaches large proportions. I know availability of badges or lanyards doesn’t stop this altogether, but it does reduce it by distinguishing between those who are exempt and those who aren’t and making those who simply choose not to wear a mask more obvious. For some, that in itself will make those who have no reason not to wear a mask, wear one.
I think that given we are living in a pandemic and anxiety about Covid is high, actually we should be willing to do things to help other people and not just think about ourselves. Mask wearing in itself is very much about protecting others rather than ourselves. Social distancing and not going into peoples homes is about protecting ourselves and others too. People get immunised to protect themselves but also to help build herd immunity. Appreciation of the worries people have about non-mask wearing is a simple empathy, as is understanding that some people cannot wear masks. And people do understand that some people have a good reason but also that some people just don’t want to wear masks.
For Op and others who find not wearing masks makes them feel judged, they have 2 choices really. They can wear a badge or lanyard which will mean they don’t face the hostility they feel they are facing. You could say they shouldn’t have to wear a badge or lanyard and that might well be true, but by choosing to, they could find their experiences of being out and about feel more positive to them...so that’s an option for them. The alternatives is to not wear a badge or lanyard. They can do that if they wish, safe in the knowledge they are entitled to not be in a mask. They can do it knowing shop assistants will ask if they have forgotten their mask and people might look at them. And if they don’t care, that’s fine, but the whole point if this thread is that some people DO care about being asked or feeling judged and this badge or lanyard wearing can reduce that. The third option actually, which is the worst, is that those who can’t wear masks simply don’t go out. They feel so worried about people looking at them or being asked about their mask that they simply stay at home. That would be a great shame, but I expect some people, are doing that.
There is no obligation to wear a badge or lanyard to indicate exemption. People can be pedantic and say no-one should need to wear one. But if it gives those who are exempt a smoother ride and a more pleasant experience of being out and makes them feel confident in a way they don’t without a badge, why not wear one? Would you rather that those people had a horrible experience of being out or feeling they’d been looked at and judged but could go home and say ‘ha, but I didn’t wear a badge just to make them feel better’.? ..it doesn’t work like that does it. The badge for lanyard might make other people feel better about non-mask wearers too (and there’s nothing wrong with appreciating their anxiety and helping them too) but it predominantly helps the badge wearer themselves whilst out in public. Isn’t that the main reason to wear it, and the reason why objecting to the idea is shooting those who most benefit in the foot?