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

I'll ask again since no-one's answered - what if it was discovered that women were somewhat more likely to spread the virus than men? I'm sure all the posters saying this isn't discrimination would say it's totally fine if shops wanted to ban women from entering, and loads of men were banging on about how women shouldn't be allowed on public transport, right? And we'd all be talking about how we should be more like those other countries where there's zero tolerance for women being in public places. You know, seeing as it's for the public good and all?

OP I'm sorry you're getting so much crap from people here, especially the idiots who can't even be arsed to read your first post properly. I'm sure it's not much consolation and doesn't solve any of your practical concerns but threads like these have really opened my eyes to how shitty many people's views on disability are.

Surely there has to be a balance between “pandering” to all possible mask exemptions (for want of a better term, as some of these people could wear a mask or visor) and public safety though. The current approach clearly isn’t working as cases are rising and the situation is getting worse. The new strain is apparently more contagious so low mask compliance is more dangerous

@TorringtonDean

You really can get shopping slots. You might have to plan. You start of by bagging a slot three weeks ahead then keep on booking ahead and then of course it rolls round and you have a weekly slot. Tesco has plenty. They were a little scarce in Dec but then Asda upped their slots. There is also click and collect. Nobody NEEDs to go into a shop if they get organised and if you can’t wear a mask it’s best to stay away. I’ve never been to Costco but it looks a massive place with lots of crowds. Order online and you will be safer.

I have said this a few times now on this thread but I am going to say it again, we have a lot more flexiabilty than the OP, but I have struggled to get a slot the last two months. Plus with certain supermarkets there is a limit still on their baskets, meaning I can't get everything I need and to be able to get the last bits, I have to spend up to £40 plus pay another delivery charge.

There are people like me who can't afford to keep doing this month on month. I am lucky, in the fact that while I don't like wearing a mask I can and will do so and if I am really bad then my partner can go to the shops instead.

However as the OP keeps saying this is not just about supermarkets, this is about what happens when other places such as public transport takes this stance. Is she meant to order a doctor online? Lose her job because she can't get there?

People who can't wear masks might not be vulnerable to Covid.

I think a real problem is the level of people claiming to be medically exempt is ridiculous. This could all be solved if the government could implement a system whereby only those who are truly exempt (such as the OP) could get an official certificate. Until then I can’t say I agree with Costco’s policy as it may further isolate people who are already struggling.

I can’t wear one for any prolonged period so I entirely avoid the shops. I understand this isn’t possible for everyone. When we say things like if you can’t wear a mask you shouldn’t go to the shops, the reverse could be said, if you are so worried about people not wearing one maybe you shouldn’t go to the shops.

Its an incredibly complex issue and people are really scared, so I think all sides of the argument need to try to be considering and tolerant.

@BlueBottle18

What do you mean they are not transportable? They arent an item of furniture they are a visor. You can just put it in a bag?

As I said they are not ideal but they are better than nothing. Your options arent mask or visor, they are nothing or visor.

There is a perfectly acceptable item for you to wear that will enable you to bypass the rules. So you are not excluded in any way.

I know tn can effect all 3 brances of the trigeminal, but its rare. Most will not have trigger points in all 3 branches (in particilar v1), either way theres a visor that sits on your neck

Visors can't be worn alone, as per government guidelines. Those are the rules. Wearing a visor doesn't enable anyone to bypass them.

They're not portable. They're designed to be worn in a work environment, as per the website a pp linked to. I walk with a stick. I don't drive. An extra bag with shopping isn't feasible. Yes, I know you'll find it hard to believe. I know you'll say it's an excuse. I won't be able to convince you otherwise so I shan't try.

Thank you for telling me about my condition. I know how rare it is to have trigger points in my temple, cheek and jaw. I also know how painful it is. Tegretol no longer works for me and I'm taking amitriptyline, which isn't helping much. I'm not sure what the next step is - I'm terrified of surgery. It's utterly shit but do you know what doesn't improve matters? Being told I could wear a covering if I tried, that I'm a disease vector, that I'm making excuses, that of course I can wear and carry a visor, despite visors not being permitted under government guidelines.

Some people cannot wear masks. Some people cannot wear visors. Some people cannot carry (or afford) neck brace visors. £20 v pennies for a mask - £20 is a week's food shopping for some people.

@psychomath in this bin fire of a thread, I really appreciate that. Thank you

@Vitaminsss

Surely there has to be a balance between “pandering” to all possible mask exemptions (for want of a better term, as some of these people could wear a mask or visor) and public safety though. The current approach clearly isn’t working as cases are rising and the situation is getting worse. The new strain is apparently more contagious so low mask compliance is more dangerous

If you're exempt you can't wear a mask.

Many exempt people can't wear a visor.

The government does not permit visors to be worn alone.

This could all be solved if the government could implement a system whereby only those who are truly exempt (such as the OP) could get an official certificate.

I agree in theory, but I think the medical system has enough to deal with roght now without also having to process hundreds of thousands of applications for mask exemptions. And anyway, if people are really that determined to fake an exemption, what's to stop anyone claiming they had a traumatic experience that they've never told anyone about, and getting an official certificate that way?

"Walking through the hospital and literally everyone is wearing a mask."

Ds went to a hospital appointment a few weeks ago. He didn't have a mask in and neither did several adults we saw.

Medication CAN be ordered online and delivered by post. I’ve done it all year. I’ve also shopped online all year. I plan, keep stocked and do without if something runs out until the next delivery. I would imagine someone who can’t wear a mask would want to avoid going to shops. I am feeding and caring for four people through online shopping.

@TorringtonDean

You really can get shopping slots. You might have to plan. You start of by bagging a slot three weeks ahead then keep on booking ahead and then of course it rolls round and you have a weekly slot. Tesco has plenty. They were a little scarce in Dec but then Asda upped their slots. There is also click and collect. Nobody NEEDs to go into a shop if they get organised and if you can’t wear a mask it’s best to stay away. I’ve never been to Costco but it looks a massive place with lots of crowds. Order online and you will be safer.

Excellent. Maybe all the people who are petrified at the possibility of being in the general proximity of a maskless person in the supermarket can get organised and have their shopping delivered instead then.

From the government guidance for shops:

Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons. No one who is exempt from wearing a face covering should be denied entry if they are not wearing one . (my bold)

www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches#shops-6-2

@TorringtonDean

Medication CAN be ordered online and delivered by post. I’ve done it all year. I’ve also shopped online all year. I plan, keep stocked and do without if something runs out until the next delivery. I would imagine someone who can’t wear a mask would want to avoid going to shops. I am feeding and caring for four people through online shopping.

Not all medications can be delivered.

I'm glad you've managed to get delivery slots all year.

Have you also been off work all year? Avoided medical appointments? Not picked up DC from school or used public transport?

Thank you @LangClegsInSpace. I knew the government rules said that but I couldn't find them to post here!

@psychomath

This could all be solved if the government could implement a system whereby only those who are truly exempt (such as the OP) could get an official certificate.

I agree in theory, but I think the medical system has enough to deal with roght now without also having to process hundreds of thousands of applications for mask exemptions. And anyway, if people are really that determined to fake an exemption, what's to stop anyone claiming they had a traumatic experience that they've never told anyone about, and getting an official certificate that way?

Yeah that is fair point.

All supermarkets and pharmacies have massively ramped up their delivery capacity. I just wonder why people don’t use it if they feel in agony wearing a mask. There should be no need for crowds at shops. I have worked at home whenever possible and minimised contact. If we all did it and took rules seriously we wouldn’t be in this mess! You can still spread Covid even if exempt from mask wearing for medical reasons.

Actually the only people who can’t use online shopping are those paid in cash, I assume?

I'm not sure why people insist that because they're able to do something, it follows that everyone else can, too.

It's the MN way. There's a thread in Active right now where the OP got stuck in Dover for hours because of the traffic pile ups with the port chaos - I'm gonna go over there in a minute and tell her that she must have been able to get home quicker than that, because all the roads are clear when I look out of my window in Manchester.

It's a ridiculous policy because wearing a face mask doesn't protect others. I don't think people should have to face abuse if they can't wear a mask. Currently if someone says they are exempt that needs to be accepted. Unless something was put in place that GPs can provide some sort of certificate.

I meant wearing a visor doesn't protect others.

"You can still spread Covid even if exempt from mask wearing for medical reasons."

Anyone can spread covid include those who think they are virtuously wearing masks so can't possibly spread it whilst ignoring rules about social distancing, washing hands and limiting social contacts and are far more likely to have it in the first place

I think it is generally agreed that there are some people who simply cannot wear a mask. Maybe we should all just assume anyone who isn’t wearing one is truly exempt and leave it at that. If most people wear them then it will reduce transmission.

In answer to your question OP, if you truly can’t wear a visor due to exemption then I don’t believe Costco can enforce this. They can always refuse you entry and you would have to complain afterwards. I think anyway!

I’m not spreading it while I stay at home as required by law! Some do try harder than others.

[quote LifelsAPigsty]@Lordamighty I totally missed where you said if I 'don't want to wear a mask'. I can't wear a mask. It's not a choice.[/quote]
You don’t even shop at Costco, as mentioned in your OP. No other shop, as far as I know, are saying they are going to follow suit. You are stressing over something that hasn’t happened. Shopping at Costco is a choice, no one is forced to shop there.

@TorringtonDean

I’m not spreading it while I stay at home as required by law! Some do try harder than others.

You aren't required by law to stay home unless you're waiting for a test result/have tested positive/someone you live with has.