Supermarket refuses service without mask

[torn2020]

The supermarket in my small town has taken the decision to refuse entry to anyone without a mask, even if they're exempt/carrying a card/wearing a lanyard etc. Apparently the exemption cards "were being abused".

Judging from comments on the local Facebook group, there's overwhelming support for this.

I'm horrified/disgusted at the overt discrimination and lack of empathy. Would say I'll boycott but actually have no choice since I'm unable to wear a mask (due to PTSD from being choked and strangled as a child, for those who like to jump in and say I should just put up with it for a 5 min shop). Apparently mask exempt people "don't have the right to just go wherever they want".

AIBU at despairing at humanity just a little bit more today?

@MadameBlobby

“Please provide evidence” - hahahaha fuck off! Who do you think you are?

I’ve explained what a reasonable adjustment is. It’s a measure that removes or reduces the impact of the person’s disability. Telling someone they can use click and collect does not do that. Allowing them into the shop without a mask does. Hence why it’s already provided for.

But during lockdown there were numerous threads about random substitutions and missing items in online grocery shopping (either click and collect if you have a car, or delivery). What is someone to do when half their shop isn’t there? Eat baked beans and tuna?

If it is discriminatory,by definition it is not reasonable.

Lanyards are not required and it is possible that some people have something to show shop staff but don't want to wear a label for randoms to inspect. Lanyards etc are for the benefit of the person wearing them, not for your benefit.

@Burpeesshmurpees

Well if the law allows exemptions then I guess that's that HOWEVER all those people going on about how masks are pointless are quite frankly wrong. My mask protects you. Yours protects me. If you can't wear one then I have to accept that increases my risk of catching CV but let's not pretend it doesn't increase risk!

So why are cases shooting up so quickly then?

I think people who think a manky bit of damp cloth or a scabby disposable mask that’s been in your pocket for a week next to a crumpled tissue are deluded. So people may not be wearing them properly - that’s going to be impossible to police.

I think people who think a manky bit of damp cloth or a scabby disposable mask that’s been in your pocket for a week next to a crumpled tissue MAKES A DIFFERENCE are deluded. So people may not be wearing them properly - that’s going to be impossible to police.

Wish we had an edit function here!

People always think they're point scoring on those whose stances they disagree with by stupid PA request like 'Evidence?' 'Links?' 'List your qualifications'. Fucking Google it yourself.

All these hidden disabilities! Who knew. The 4 maskless builders in my local wickes yesterday getting bricks,cement and plasterboard for their next job.....

@WellRiddleMeThis

All these hidden disabilities! Who knew. The 4 maskless builders in my local wickes yesterday getting bricks,cement and plasterboard for their next job.....

Yes, a great time to educate oneself on the number of hidden disabilities there actually are and about how trauma such as rape or domestic violence can scar people, even though those people are often capable of working, even as builders .

@WellRiddleMeThis

All these hidden disabilities! Who knew. The 4 maskless builders in my local wickes yesterday getting bricks,cement and plasterboard for their next job.....

Do you think hidden disabilities aren't real, then? Or health conditions, or PTSD as a result of rape or DV?

Why would builders be immune to health issues which render them exempt?

@Batshitbeautycosmeticsltd

People always think they're point scoring on those whose stances they disagree with by stupid PA request like 'Evidence?' 'Links?' 'List your qualifications'. Fucking Google it yourself.

Exactly. Post a lot of shite and then when challenged ask people to “prove” it. As if it’s a court of law or something

Repeat them to the local council. They are breaking the law by discriminating against disabled people.

@Burpeesshmurpees

Why would the fact that I've had it in my pocket all week (not that I actually do that anyway) have any bearing on protecting you from me? It's the physical barrier to my breath that makes the difference. Sure if it was grubby I might be increasing risk to myself but it'd still protect you from droplets from me.

But it’s oft cited on here in response to mask sceptics who say they don’t think they work “but most people aren’t wearing them properly!”

Given the shopping basket police on here I think that’s exactly what some posters would suggest @PlanDeRaccordement. Not to mention click and
Collect often has a minimum spend so not much use to people only planning a small shop.

"If you can't wear one then I have to accept that increases my risk of catching CV"

Just as there will be things that other people are legally doing that mean they will be a greater risk to other people around them Eg working with the general public, having a large household, having a child that goes to a large school, seeing friends and family not in their household, going to restaurants, going on public transport etc.

@Batshitbeautycosmeticsltd

People always think they're point scoring on those whose stances they disagree with by stupid PA request like 'Evidence?' 'Links?' 'List your qualifications'. Fucking Google it yourself.

When people are saying things like 'statistically all the people I saw in Lidl today without masks won't be exempt' I think it's fair to ask them where they found those statistics or if it's just something they pulled out of their arse

I get the feeling anxious but the person next to you with the mask on may actually be the one who is more likely to infect others because they are far more likely to have it. People who cannot wear masks are being targeted and seen as 'unclean' mainly because they are an easy target and often vulnerable when others are actually a greater risk to other people.

@Underhisi

I don't think it so much about people who can't physically wear a mask (though I hope they can if in ICU and need a ventilator) but more those who are not disabled but simply don't care. Those who don't care could also be more careless in other ways and health and safety is not for the careless especially given this second or next community super spreading wave. I suspect careless unmasked are likely more potential asymptomatic super spreaders. Though with no tests who knows?

@PennyDreadfuI

All 4 of them?? Haha I know NONE of them were, they were parked next to me and I heard their convo before they went in as I was talking to one of them. They were laughing at the fact they wouldn’t be challenged at the door by the retail staff.....and they weren’t. Never are they said

I don't think it so much about people who can't physically wear a mask (though I hope they can if in ICU and need a ventilator)

If you're in ICU and on a ventilator, you're in an induced coma with the appropriate pain relief. You won't even know you're on one.

As well as 'have you considered a visor', people also need to stop with the 'if you don't like masks, you'll hate a ventilator' rubbish.

[quote WellRiddleMeThis]@PennyDreadfuI

All 4 of them?? Haha I know NONE of them were, they were parked next to me and I heard their convo before they went in as I was talking to one of them. They were laughing at the fact they wouldn’t be challenged at the door by the retail staff.....and they weren’t. Never are they said[/quote]
There's no reason why four people wouldn't be exempt.

And let's face it, had you genuinely heard that conversation you would have said so in your first post.

No I wouldn’t.

People can suggest visors @PennyDreadfuI just because some randomer doesn’t like the fact an alternative can be offered doesn’t mean people should not suggest it.... someone may find it useful