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

Don't shop at Costco then?! It's literally only one shop that has this policy.

@SteeperThanHell

Face shields are pointless without a mask.

To be honest, that's what I thought - they only protect the wearer from splashes and large droplets don't they? And do nothing to protect others.

I was in a shop recently and a lady serving was wearing a visor - the condensation from her breath had collected on it and was dripping onto the paper bags she was putting stuff into. I can't imagine that's very hygienic/safe.

@SmellsLikeAHamsterCage

Don't shop at Costco then?! It's literally only one shop that has this policy.

As I said in my OP I don't shop there - I'm just concerned that other retailers/public transport operators will follow suit. And disappointed and worried re discrimination.

@BilboBercow

Unfortunately there is a fairly large group of people, not just on Mumsnet who are unable to accept that some people genuinely can't wear a face covering and that still need to live for god knows how many months until we no longer have regulation involving masks.

This is true unfortunately. I've been told so many times that I should just stay at home. I would if I could but I wouldn't be able to eat/pay my bills, particularly if all this goes on for as long as it looks likely to.

@LifelsAPigsty that’s exactly right.

I’m with the shop on this. I’d like to see masks made truly compulsory. There’re far too many people making up excuses to avoid wearing them, or wearing them wrong.

Fully support their policy - should be no exemptions to any rules, completely the same for everyone - government ones should just be you must - no ifs, no buts, no personal circumstances.

Make alternative arrangements based on your own circumstances.

@ohwhatamiserableyear

Sorry, I'm with Costco. You can still spread Covid to others if you get it, and facial coverings cut that risk down.

There are other ways for you to get supplies in; use those.

Which other ways? I've not been able to get a delivery slot for months. Also I need to use public transport to get to work.

In Dubai you are not allowed in anywhere without a mask. No exceptions and I agree with Costco.

I know it’s no ideal but we are too soft on this. Rates are rocketing.

There needs to be a way for people like the OP to get delivery slots. Are any supermarkets still running a priority service for the vulnerable?

@glitter98

Fully support their policy - should be no exemptions to any rules, completely the same for everyone - government ones should just be you must - no ifs, no buts, no personal circumstances.

Make alternative arrangements based on your own circumstances.

Unfortunately I can't make alternative arrangements to say, go to work. I need to use public transport and attend medical appointments, too.

Just shop elsewhere if you don't agree with their policy

What are the conditions that mean people can’t wear masks?

@DianaT1969

There needs to be a way for people like the OP to get delivery slots. Are any supermarkets still running a priority service for the vulnerable?

I'm not vulnerable so never qualified for those.

My other worry is if this policy is adopted elsewhere, not just shops but public transport etc too.

@Burnthurst187

Just shop elsewhere if you don't agree with their policy

As I said in my OP I don't shop there personally. My worry is that other shops/public transport etc will adopt this policy, too. And of course the implications re discrimination.

Honestly-you have been trying for months to get a delivery slot? That really isn’t true. I got a few over the last weeks and plenty on MN have slots.

Or use the NHS volunteers for shopping,

We really have to tighten things up now.

I stopped trying to wear a mask and switched to visors after they triggered hyperventilating twice within a couple of minutes on occasions in close succession.

Last month I was wearing my visor in the pharmacy ironically to pick up DS2's inhalers, was in there less than 5 minutes and was hyperventilating before the transaction was completed despite having removed all extraneous clothing on entry to the shop to minimise overheating.
There are some environments where I can not cope with a visor. I do wear it when I can but sometimes have to shift it to breathe fresh air to avoid triggering.

As it happens, I haven't been to Costco since mid-July as I find their trollies hard enough to manouver without having a barrier on my face creating additional difficulties. DH has been going since then.

Discriminating against customers for health reasons is disgusting.

Life is already restricted enough trying to avoid places where masks are required without functional places barring people with difficulties.

Maybe they should ban guide dogs next...
(Sarcasm)

As for proof, there is no "proof" that I encounter breathing difficulties other than when I've been pushed into them which is hardly ethical,or safe for anyone that I end up gasping over It wasn't a problem prior to 25/7/20 and I can't exactly turn up at the GP about it.

I've seen someone wearing a face shield that hangs around their neck.

@Bathroom12345

In Dubai you are not allowed in anywhere without a mask. No exceptions and I agree with Costco.

I know it’s no ideal but we are too soft on this. Rates are rocketing.

Shall we also have what is basically a legal slave labour trade too? Get cheap migrants in from developing nations and confiscate their paperwork so they are incapable of leaving their poor working conditions? Not really an aspirational standard to hunam life is it?

So Costco are happy to turn away disabled people now? I'm shocked. I thought that was illegal in the UK.

@Sittinbythetrees

What are the conditions that mean people can’t wear masks?

Things like skin conditions, PTSD as a result of rape/DV, autism, sensory issues, some respiratory conditions, and many more. My condition is called trigeminal neuralgia - it can be triggered by touch, pressure, wind, brushing my teeth/hair, eating, talking, getting dressed, putting on makeup, washing my face or nothing at all. Attacks are so painful I can lose consciousness. This is something I'm keen to avoid in public particularly. The condition is incurable but surgery to the brain stem can offer some relief for a few years, however surgery carries risks. Medication can help but after a while becomes less effective.

I would love to be able to wear a face covering of any kind. I really, really would.

Yes it's discriminatory, it will be successfully challenged at some point. Personally I don't like Costco's attitude and shall boycott them. I wear a mask.

@thenightsky

So Costco are happy to turn away disabled people now? I'm shocked. I thought that was illegal in the UK.

So did I.

What they're doing is definitely against government advice/guidelines.

@BogRollBOGOF well said.