Costco denying entry to mask exempt unless they wear a shield

[LifelsAPigsty]

Surely this is discrimination? Some people who can't wear a mask can't wear a visor either (I can't, I have trigeminal neuralgia and can't tolerate any pressure on my face/head/temples). There are other conditions which make wearing them impossible, too. I'm sure the government guidelines state this sort of action isn't permitted?

I don't shop at Costco personally but I'm so worried other places will follow suit (and no, I can't avoid shops sadly - no delivery slots for months here and I don't drive so no c&c. Also no friends/relatives to shop for me).

Yet another layer of anxiety and worry

@Pumpertrumper

I do however think indoor venues should offer at least 1-2 hours per day where those unable to wear masks can go

^This.

It would not address the issue on public transport/other buildings, but better than nothing

@CentrifrugalBumblePuppy but not every sufferer is the same? You're lucky you have meds to control it - not everyone has something that works, I certainly don't as mine is caused by a tumor pressing on my nerve. The only thing that helps is debulking the constantly growing tumor as it cannot be fully removed without damaging my other nerves. I not only have TN but have a massive scar all the way around my head from my last brain surgery and I can't have any pressure on that, so nothing that touches the my head anywhere works for me. My TN attacks cause me to fit and wet myself. Not something I'm willing to put myself through just so that all the people on their high horses will believe that I really can't wear one.

I do think there could be something gov mandated that docs give out. Then you can tell your doc over the phone (or for serious cases they will already know) why you think you're exempt and then you get a card, not displaying the condition or anything, but just officially stating the exemption. Then the fakers wouldn't be able to claim it. Sadly gov hasn't done this, but disabled people still shouldn't suffer because non-disabled people lie...

There needs to be a government issued exemption certificate which must be recommended by a doctor and which is the only thing accepted by businesses. That would mean that only the truly exempt were allowed to avoid mask wearing and keep them and everyone else safe. The “self-certification”, don’t ask, it’s none of your business policy just doesn’t work.

If Germany can organise a system where people who are exempt can be given something official then we should be able to do the same. It's utterly disgraceful that people who cannot wear masks have been hung out to dry like this and are being made to suffer because people who just don't fancy it or like to think they can't are ruining it for them.

I would never challenge someone not wearing a mask but I'm quite prepared to say something to the increasing number of people I see with them half on or around their necks.

I know by this point I shouldn't be shocked anymore by the number of posters on MN who think people with disabilities shouldn't be allowed to go anywhere, or that they could surely manage to wear a mask is they reeeeally tried, or who 'just can't believe' that some people don't live surrounded by 500 close friends and family members who can do a regular weekly shop for them. But I am, still.

Just a thought - what if it was discovered that women were somewhat more likely to spread the virus than men? I'm sure all those posters would say it's fine if shops want to ban women from entering, right? And that surely we don't really have to use public transport - can't we all just take cabs to work? And getting abuse in public is a shame, but yknow, what did we expect for going out. Because discrimination doesn't count when it's for the 'greater good', right?

@Whynotnowbaby

There needs to be a government issued exemption certificate which must be recommended by a doctor and which is the only thing accepted by businesses. That would mean that only the truly exempt were allowed to avoid mask wearing and keep them and everyone else safe. The “self-certification”, don’t ask, it’s none of your business policy just doesn’t work.

Couldn't agree more.

And in the present circumstances I would say people who are maskless due to medical need, while they have my sympathy, shouldn't expect entry to public places.

We might feel sorry for a blind person but we don't hand them a driver's license and keys to the car, for reasons of public safety. In the deadly pandemic, same for the maskless. Some other provision to get their shopping done must be made.

This is not about discrimination.

Let’s get real here people

Do you think the virus decides not to attach itself to people because they have a truly valid reason due not wearing a mask? And once it has done so, won’t then so read from that non mask wearer to others because of course it’s on for them not to wear a mask

The virus does not discriminate

Wearing a mask is about protection from a virus

Frankly, if you’re that ill, shopping in Costco with hundreds of other people is not such a good idea for yourself

They do deliver many of their products.

Food wise, there are lots of other options specifically because if the pandemic. Shopping should not have to be risking ones life

Those not wearing masks are endangering themselves and others. This last point is the crux of the matter.

I agree with their policy.

"Those not wearing masks are endangering themselves and others. This last point is the crux of the matter."

So are all those who choose to mix with those outside their household. Is it reasonable to ban them to? - even worse they are making a choice to do it.

@ILoveYoga

This is not about discrimination.

Let’s get real here people

Do you think the virus decides not to attach itself to people because they have a truly valid reason due not wearing a mask? And once it has done so, won’t then so read from that non mask wearer to others because of course it’s on for them not to wear a mask

The virus does not discriminate

Wearing a mask is about protection from a virus

Frankly, if you’re that ill, shopping in Costco with hundreds of other people is not such a good idea for yourself

They do deliver many of their products.

Food wise, there are lots of other options specifically because if the pandemic. Shopping should not have to be risking ones life

Those not wearing masks are endangering themselves and others. This last point is the crux of the matter.

I'm not 'ill'. Neither are thousands of exempt people.

Shopping is only part of the issue (as I keep saying). How are those exempt supposed to get to work/access medical appointments/care for family if they're meant to stay at home? I keep asking this, but nobody seems to want to answer.

Seriously, people want certificates issued by doctor? In the middle of a pandemic don't you think they might be having better things to do?

Even if there are some people 'abusing' the current system, they are going to make a vanishingly small difference to overall transmission (as the majority of people comply. If that is the societal price for allowing those people with a genuine need for the allowances/exemptions - then so be it. There is a greater good in terms of personal dignity, disability awareness and also freeing up officials from burdensome paperwork in a time of crisis.

@PerveenMistry so no medical help, jobs or, well, leaving the house for us, eh? Will you be happy to pay our mortgages? Pick our children up from school? Will you think it's fair enough if we die because we can't get medical attention if we have a heart attack? Or can't attend regular hospital appointments?

[quote trulydelicious]@Pumpertrumper

I do however think indoor venues should offer at least 1-2 hours per day where those unable to wear masks can go

^This.

It would not address the issue on public transport/other buildings, but better than nothing[/quote]
If everyone was maskless, surely the risk to everyone (shoppers and staff) would be far greater than if 2 or 3 people were maskless?

"Plus those genuinely exempt are likely to have considerable health/MH issues meaning a quieter shop would no doubt be beneficial to them."

Are you saying that shops would only be available during those hours to those who are masked exempt? Because I cannot see supermarkets going for that.

There needs to be a government issued exemption certificate which must be recommended by a doctor and which is the only thing accepted by businesses. That would mean that only the truly exempt were allowed to avoid mask wearing and keep them and everyone else safe. The “self-certification”, don’t ask, it’s none of your business policy just doesn’t work
I agree.

There's an someone I know who seems to delight in posting pity videos about her being challenged for not wearing a mask, how the world is discriminating against her and nobody should ask, masks cause her distress etc. She also posts about standing under common law, not consenting to the new restrictions and other crap. I have to sit on my hands to avoid pointing out that people like her are the reasons those with very real medical conditions are feeling under fire.

@LifelsAPigsty

But surely those 50 people - who each wouldn't ordinarily come into contact with 49 other mask free people - would be more at risk than if they were shopping with 47 others with masks, but 2 others without

I'm not following you there.

So you are saying that you would not be happy to have a dedicated supermarket hour where you could go without wearing a mask because there would be other people not wearing masks also?

You would want people who can wear masks to be put at risk because of you but you would not accept to be put at risk by other maskless shoppers?

I don't think that's reasonable, no.

@ILoveYoga

This is not about discrimination.

Let’s get real here people

Do you think the virus decides not to attach itself to people because they have a truly valid reason due not wearing a mask? And once it has done so, won’t then so read from that non mask wearer to others because of course it’s on for them not to wear a mask

The virus does not discriminate

Wearing a mask is about protection from a virus

Frankly, if you’re that ill, shopping in Costco with hundreds of other people is not such a good idea for yourself

They do deliver many of their products.

Food wise, there are lots of other options specifically because if the pandemic. Shopping should not have to be risking ones life

Those not wearing masks are endangering themselves and others. This last point is the crux of the matter.

Totally agree.

It's a matter of practicality. No one is being mean or discriminatory toward non mask wearers; it is merely scientific fact that the maskless are dangerous to others.

Masks are one way to avoid transmission; those who cannot use them must exert themselves to protect fellow citizens in other ways delivery services, remote working, etcnot just carry on as normal amid a deadly pandemic surge. It's nothing personal; it's just common sense.

[quote trulydelicious]@LifelsAPigsty

But surely those 50 people - who each wouldn't ordinarily come into contact with 49 other mask free people - would be more at risk than if they were shopping with 47 others with masks, but 2 others without

I'm not following you there.

So you are saying that you would not be happy to have a dedicated supermarket hour where you could go without wearing a mask because there would be other people not wearing masks also?

You would want people who can wear masks to be put at risk because of you but you would not accept to be put at risk by other maskless shoppers?

I don't think that's reasonable, no.[/quote]

I think it's hypocritical in the extreme.

god this thread is depressing. People have no compassion for disabled people at all and they also seem to be labouring under the false belief that some germ-filled rag that you keep in your bag and use and re-use multiple times actually offers protection against the virus.

Completely agree with the policy. You have other options for shopping. This is a national emergency

I feel for people who genuinely can't wear a mask like yourself op. I think people who could but don't have spoiled it for them. There was a guy on the programme Hospital who nearly died, was on a ventilator. He was a bus driver who said 50% of people on his bus don't wear masks. I don't believe 50% genuinely can't wear a mask

[quote trulydelicious]@LifelsAPigsty

But surely those 50 people - who each wouldn't ordinarily come into contact with 49 other mask free people - would be more at risk than if they were shopping with 47 others with masks, but 2 others without

I'm not following you there.

So you are saying that you would not be happy to have a dedicated supermarket hour where you could go without wearing a mask because there would be other people not wearing masks also?

You would want people who can wear masks to be put at risk because of you but you would not accept to be put at risk by other maskless shoppers?

I don't think that's reasonable, no.[/quote]
No, I didn't say I wouldn't be happy to do that. I was pointing out that the risks of 50 maskless people together were greater than 2 or 3 maskless people. Please don't out words into my mouth.

@PerveenMistry

I think it's hypocritical in the extreme

It's rather infuriating even.

I know it's unlikely to be a view shared by all those who cannot wear masks, but still...