How to prove exemptions?

[Givemeabreak88]

Does anyone know how you can prove that you are exempt from wearing a face mask if drs are refusing to give letters? A lot of the shops are now refusing entry unless you are wearing one. I try to shop mostly online but sometimes not always possible.

There is no proof. Shops should be just accepting "I am exempt" or they are going against the face covering law.

If it will make you feel better then you buy a card that says you are exempt on. The government website also has one that you can either print out or have on your phone to show staff if you are challenged.

This post has appeared on my local Facebook page and my mum said she was asked for proof today, I would love to not have to go to the shops but sometimes it’s not a choice.

My local shop has a sign saying lanyard/proof needed for exemptions too and it really annoys me because legally they're not allowed to ask for proof, I would give it if gov set something up. One of the many issues for those of us who are genuinely exempt, as it can be easily abused. There should be an exemption system (I don't want to tell everyone about my in depth medical condition that they will not fully understand and will minimise based on their own experiences) but anyone could lie. The gov website does state you don't need proof though, so they'd struggle if someone challenges this as (indirect?) disability discrimination. People with disabilities shouldn't suffer due to the people who are happy to lie though of course.

Print one out or save to your phone. Shops should be accepting these... they are official Government ones.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Easiest of my exemptions to prove is a steroid inhaler with my name on the prescription. I guess I'd carry that, if I weren't shielding/in wales/wearing one anyway cause most days I can just about cope with it (no judgement against those who can't grit their teeth)

Well according to the Facebook page police were removing anyone from the store not wearing one 😕 I don’t think a sign on my phone that anyone can download is going to work 😔

why would you want to put staff at risk.....they likely serve 10,20,30 maskless customers a day.

why do people think thats acceptable?

[quote XenoBitch]Print one out or save to your phone. Shops should be accepting these... they are official Government ones.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own[/quote]
which ANYONE can print and use, so fairly useless!!

Oh go away GirlCrush some people are exempt and I’m not looking for a debate on that purely asking how to prove it, many of the staffs in the shops I’ve been in aren’t wearing them either

@Givemeabreak88

Oh go away GirlCrush some people are exempt and I’m not looking for a debate on that purely asking how to prove it, many of the staffs in the shops I’ve been in aren’t wearing them either

Haha....not going to 'go away'....as if!!!

@GirlCrush would you rather a few fakers got to shop maskless, or would you rather see people who are genuinely exempt be denied access to shops?

I am exempt, I carry a card to say that. This new development scares me as I am due to go to Tesco on Friday for my shopping and also to pick up medication. If they deny me entry, I will be going without my meds.

@Givemeabreak88

Well according to the Facebook page police were removing anyone from the store not wearing one 😕 I don’t think a sign on my phone that anyone can download is going to work 😔

All the major supermarkets have said that they will not be denying access to people that are medically exempt. This is also written into law. Some people who just don't want to wear a mask, or don't believe in them, kick up a stink when asked. If you have a card, are polite when you are asked to show something, and be mindful about keeping 2m from anyone, I don't think it will be a problem.

'sorry I am exempt' is fine
They're not allowed to ask for proof.

I'm off to tesco in a bit as quieter. And that's exactly what I'll be saying. I have a lanyard I normally wear but my child got it today and was wearing it as a 'medal' for winning a race with her dolls and now I can't find it!

There seems to be a lot of people out there that share the same opinion as GirlCrush and think that those who are exempt from wearing a mask should just stay in then, if only
It was that easy

The disability orgs are starting to speak up about this now and several signed a letter today to the NPCC.

An NPCC spokeswoman said that officers have clear guidance on the exemptions and clarified that there is no requirement to provide medical proof of an exemption.

morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/disabled-people-could-bear-the-brunt-of-confusing-face-covering-laws

If shops are making up their own rules that go against government guidance and that discriminate against disabled people then the way to go is letters of complaint and if that fails, the threat of civil action.

The explanatory memorandum that accompanies the face covering legislation says:

7.6 Exemptions from this requirement exist for members of the public with a “reasonable excuse” for not wearing a face covering. A non-exhaustive list of circumstances in which a person has a reasonable excuse is set out in regulation 4, and generally relate to medical and equalities grounds. ... Nobody who has a reasonable excuse as set out in regulation 4 and is therefore not wearing a face covering should be prevented from visiting a shop or supermarket or other setting covered by these Regulations.

And also:

12.2 The Department has considered the fact that some people may be deterred from visiting the relevant settings where these Regulations apply due to them being required to wear a face covering either because they cannot source a suitable face covering or they have protected characteristics (e.g. a disability) which makes it difficult to wear a face covering ... The Department has also included a range of exemptions to ensure that this policy does not unfairly discriminate against those with protected characteristics. Furthermore, the policy will be supported by a communications campaign that will make clear that some people are exempt from these regulations and people should not be challenged by members of the public for not wearing a face covering. (my bold)

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/791/memorandum/contents

And, as posters have noted on numerous threads, the government guidance says that carrying an exemption card is entirely voluntary and people should not routinely be required to provide written evidence of their exemption.

@Givemeabreak88

This post has appeared on my local Facebook page and my mum said she was asked for proof today, I would love to not have to go to the shops but sometimes it’s not a choice.

What does the small writing say at the bottom of the signs?

@Givemeabreak88

There seems to be a lot of people out there that share the same opinion as GirlCrush and think that those who are exempt from wearing a mask should just stay in then, if only It was that easy

I know... and they probably get offended when people suggest the elderly/vulnerable should stay in so everything can be back to normal.

If you need to go shopping, you need to go shopping. I am sure it will be fine. Get yourself a treat too

The government need to allow GPs to issue some sort of exemption letter - by email would do it, so people could have it on phones if they didn't want to carry it.

It wouldn't need to specify why. And of course it could be faked, but it would help.

I’m not too sure I can’t see it probably does say unless exempt, but like I said my mum said she was asked for proof today , which is why I’m worrying now as last time I tried to get proof I was told they don’t give any proof. I think shops are really going to be cracking down on it so I’m not sure just saying you’re exempt is going to be enough anymore.

@Givemeabreak88

There seems to be a lot of people out there that share the same opinion as GirlCrush and think that those who are exempt from wearing a mask should just stay in then, if only It was that easy

show me where i said people without a mask should stay in.....go on, show me??

My husband is exempt and he has got anxious due to all the sudden hype about it again. I can report however that he just went to Tesco and was asked on the door, he politely said he’s exempt and he was let in.

I feel so sad that people are being mad to feel this way.

@Redbrickwall

My husband is exempt and he has got anxious due to all the sudden hype about it again. I can report however that he just went to Tesco and was asked on the door, he politely said he’s exempt and he was let in.

I feel so sad that people are being mad to feel this way.

That is really good to hear. Thank you.

Well I asked the police when they put on the Trafford centre page that people must be prepared to provide proof of exemption and they said that just saying you are exempt should be enough as no one has to provide written proof.
I think if I was refused entry to my local Tesco I would ask to see the manager and explain the position and if they still refused would ask them to tell me how to make a formal complaint of disability discrimination. But I accept I can be a bit bullish about it as it annoys me ....
I too get my meds from Tesco in store pharmacy.

That’s reassuring Redbrickwall It’s so worrying that it’s all been stirred up again, I’ve been confronted on the bus before by a man who only confronted me (not the two MEN not wearing one either) and he hounded me for the whole journey and didn’t care when I told him I was exempt, repeatedly.

I have MedicAlert membership and its been a God-send this past year.
So far my local large supermarket security staff have prioritised for me to go in get what I need without queing so I can get back out ASAP. I have a clearly labelled MedicAlert Document holder that contains all my hospital numbers, details of all drugs and who to contact attached to my oxygen carrry bag. [See image] I also wear a MedicAlert wrist band and have a medic alert card clearly visiable on the outside of my meds bag. Strictly speaking as an ultra high oxygen user I could decline to wear a mask. I choose to wear a mask when I am not using oxygen to manage risks. The run in I have just had with covid was not much fun and it is still knocking me for six.

Most places are aware of the sunflower lanyard scheme so it might be worth ordering one. IF you have any care plans, details of formal diaognosis, DWP proof of ESA /PiP it might be worth having a copy on your phone' or keep a copy with you. From experience most shop security staff are willling to help you if your polite and meet them part way in making their job a little easier for them to do.