Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Technically exempt

74 replies

Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 16:14

I am so fed up of hearing this phrase. No one is technically exempt from wearing a mask. If you can wear one you are legally required to do so.

Today my sister said proudly "I'm technically exempt from wearing a mask because of my autism but I wear one anyway to protect others"

She got really huffy when I told her that she was not exempt as she is perfectly capable of wearing a mask and was simply following the law like everyone else.

Does anyone else find this inexplicably infuriating?!

OP posts:
FlyMyPrettiesFly · 18/01/2021 16:17

Given the amount of shit non-mask wearers get, I’ve no idea why someone who could wear one would try to get out of doing so.

Calmandmeasured1 · 18/01/2021 16:29

Non-mask wearers only seem to get problems from keyboard warriors. I've never seen anyone pulled up about it in public. Even the press just put photos but don't give much of a pulling up about it. (e.g. Phil Schofield, Jason Donovan).

XenoBitch · 18/01/2021 16:30

Yes, along with "I am exempt but wear one anyway". That makes no sense whatsoever.

Calmandmeasured1 · 18/01/2021 16:32

I agree OP that no-one is "technically exempt". You are either exempt or you aren't. Perhaps your sister doesn't understand the distinction though and you could explain it to her rather than being mad at her about it?

Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 16:39

@Calmandmeasured1 She is highly intelligent and has a history degree. She has always made sure she is up to date on the latest rules because she worries about getting in trouble. Which is why I was so surprised when she came out with it. I have seen people post it on here before.

I don't know where people have got the idea that some conditions mean you don't have to wear a mask if you don't feel like it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 21:47

@XenoBitch yes that one too! If you are/can wear a mask you are not exempt! There are no conditions that are magic get out of mask free cards!

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 21:48

Why do you need to be pissed off? She’s wearing a mask. Confused

Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 21:53

I'm not 'pissed off' I just find it annoying that some people seem to think they don't have to wear a mask if they don't feel like it because they have a disability, even if that disability doesn't stop them wearing a mask.

It is just a strange conclusion to leap to when there has never been any guidance suggesting this is true.

OP posts:
RachelHRD · 18/01/2021 21:57

I was in Sainsbury's today and a guy in his 40's who looked perfectly fit and healthy was quoting the equalities act from his phone to the young girl handing out masks and refusing to wear one. He claimed he was exempt but wouldn't give the reason for exemption. I pulled him up on it and he smirked that he was exempt but wouldn't elaborate so I doubt very much he was.
My 13 year old son is autistic and has sensory issues but still manages to wear a mask in his taxi and at school, so I have little time for that type of behaviour.

KeepWashingThoseHands · 18/01/2021 21:59

I don’t see a problem questioning someone (politely and in a non-threatening way) to show proof of exemption. Over the summer DP nipped in to a small local shop, forgetting to wear a mask. Genuine mistake. No one challenged him except me when I followed him in 5 mins later! There’s a lot of signage in supermarkets etc. and we were in a low risk area over summer but I imagine there are genuine errors out there so nothing wrong with a reminder/question.

Sockwomble · 18/01/2021 22:04

"I don’t see a problem questioning someone (politely and in a non-threatening way) to show proof of exemption."

What would that proof be?

Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 22:08

I have no problem with people not wearing masks if they genuinely can't. I also understand sometimes people just forget. I did myself the other day, didn't even realise until I was in the queue for the till in coop. No one questioned me and luckily I had one in my bag so I put it on as soon as I realised (baby related sleep deprivation!)

I just hate people using the exemption to not bother or assuming they are exempt because they have a condition.

There is no general exemptions for any condition, wear a mask!

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 22:48

I'm not 'pissed off'

Ok. What is the difference between being pissed off and inexplicably infuriated, fed up or annoyed?

Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 22:57

I feel to be 'pissed off' would be being angry with no reason or direction. I have a specific irritant that is causing me to feel irritated, not irrationally sweary.

Obvious we each use swearing to our own ends.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 23:00

Pissed off is not sweating. Confused

Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 23:05

No it is not. I am in no way sweaty

OP posts:
JamieLeeCurtains · 18/01/2021 23:05

Today my sister said proudly

How do you know she was proud? Did you ask her for proof of that? I'm sure that's not legally enforceable according to the law. God it'll be a police state next.

PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 23:06

Pissed off is in no way swearing.

Truelymadlydeeplysomeonesmum · 18/01/2021 23:09

@Spanglebangle

I am so fed up of hearing this phrase. No one is technically exempt from wearing a mask. If you can wear one you are legally required to do so.

Today my sister said proudly "I'm technically exempt from wearing a mask because of my autism but I wear one anyway to protect others"

She got really huffy when I told her that she was not exempt as she is perfectly capable of wearing a mask and was simply following the law like everyone else.

Does anyone else find this inexplicably infuriating?!

So long as she is wearing one if she can. It doesn't matter what she says about it.
Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 23:11

The word piss is not polite. I would definitely not let my children get away with saying it. It is sweary. Anyway that is not the point of the thread. Please stick to the topic or leave.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 23:12

@Spanglebangle

The word piss is not polite. I would definitely not let my children get away with saying it. It is sweary. Anyway that is not the point of the thread. Please stick to the topic or leave.
You were the one who said you weren’t pissed off after using a load of synonyms. It was a reasonable question. No need to fucking lose your shit.
Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 23:12

@JamieLeeCurtains um... Because I know my sister... I know how she speaks and her inferences. Are you the speach police?

OP posts:
Original poster
Spanglebangle · 18/01/2021 23:15

@PurpleDaisies not 'losing my shit' just trying to stick to topic. Do you think 'technically exempt' is acceptable?

OP posts:
JamieLeeCurtains · 18/01/2021 23:17

[quote Spanglebangle]@JamieLeeCurtains um... Because I know my sister... I know how she speaks and her inferences. Are you the speach police?[/quote]
Bless, no.

poshme · 18/01/2021 23:17

@XenoBitch

Yes, along with "I am exempt but wear one anyway". That makes no sense whatsoever.
My dad is exempt- he has a lung disorder. When he wears a mask he becomes increasingly breathless (even more than usual) His 'normal' oxygen sats are at the level where most people would be told to go straight to A&E. he wears a mask whenever he can because he wants to do the right thing. (It's actually the wrong thing for him) His consultant has told him not to wear one as he is exempt. But he wears one when he goes into shops for short periods. Nearly passes out every time.