Anyone just not bother going out now

[Happycat1212]

Does anyone else just not bothering going anywhere at all now?? I’m exempt from wearing face masks but to avoid abuse I just stay home now, my mum keeps trying to get me to go to hers (I can she’s in my bubble) but I don’t drive so would need a bus but I don’t want to get on them for fear of being abused. Anyone else worry about this type of thing?

Have you experienced abuse though? Maybe wear a lanyard?

Yes I have on the bus

I can see why you’d be worried about getting on public transport without a mask and I can see why peoooe would be worried being on a bus with you. It’s a very difficult situation you’re in.

That’s how I feel I would rather just not go out, Keep getting pressure from my mum to visit but I’ve explained multiple times why I’m not comfortable with it.

I can understand why you'd not want to go on a bus with no mask, but could you just tie a scarf loosely over your mouth when you get on? And wear a lanyard as pp said. OR could you get a taxi?

To be fair, if you can’t wear a mask I think you shouldn’t go on public transport. For a multitude of reasons.
Out of interest did you GP give you a letter to say you’re exempt? A friend of mine is trying to get one from her GP and they said they don’t provide them...

I sympathise OP - can you wear a lanyard or a big badge that says you are medically exempt from wearing a mask? Also, anyone who confronts you, have the confidence to tell them to fuck off and mind their own business.
I find I am staying in indoors more, but would it not be good for your mental health to see your mother more?

For people who can’t wear masks why do you not use face shields?? Surly that is the very obvious answer??

@Username7521

To be fair, if you can’t wear a mask I think you shouldn’t go on public transport. For a multitude of reasons. Out of interest did you GP give you a letter to say you’re exempt? A friend of mine is trying to get one from her GP and they said they don’t provide them...

Why shouldn't they go on public transport because they are medically exempt from wearing a mask!!? That's ridiculous and discriminatory.

If you don’t have a mask you shouldn’t be allowed on public transport. I know that’s technically discrimination, but in a pandemic surly it’s for the good of the many, not the one.

I can’t wear one either, didn’t really want a debate, was just wondering if anyone felt anxious as well not a debate about people not wearing masks, that’s been done over and over and is one of the reasons why I am now to scared to go out

Face shields are pretty much useless unless worn with a mask.

Could your mum come to you? Or could you tolerate a face shield? Scarf?

If you want a debate about people not wearing masks could you please start your own thread I wasn’t looking for a debate, it’s people on here saying not to go out which is the reason why I’ve now stopped going anywhere. Don’t need to be made to feel worse like I said just wondering if anyone felt the same way as me.

If you are unable to wear a mask I really don’t think you should be going on public transport at the moment. Do you have a letter from your GP to say you are except as if you do go you could always take that as proof if you get challenged or at least wear a shield

I agree that people, who don’t wear masks for whatever reason ought to avoid shops and public transport at the moment.

Can your Mum visit you instead?

Can you go out for walks?

It’s important for me to get out of the house every day, I think I’d really be struggling if I didn’t. Hope you can work something out op

I think you'd be well within your rights to go on the bus. But if you feel uncomfortable would getting a bike be possible?

I stopped going out for exercise for ages due to feeling down and like there's no point. But I've been forcing myself to go out every day and it has made me feel a bit better. I mean freezing my arse off in the same grey little part of London isn't bliss, but my body feels better for the exercise.

I think it’s perfectly natural to not want to go anywhere if you are made to feel you are a pariah. Try and work around it OP and think of other ways of maintaining contact with people for the sake of your mental health.

If you can’t or won’t wear a mask I agree it’s not right to get public transport. Can your mum come to you?

I’m avoiding public places as lots don’t seem to care about SD, don’t stay home when meant to be isolating even if covid in the household and so many not wearing masks. I know there are some exceptions but some people are simply choosing not to or wearing them incorrectly.

Yes she comes sometimes but I think she’s “concerned” that I won’t go on because I’m “allowed” so is trying to encourage me out

I am sorry that you feel so stuck inside. I can understand not wanting to go out if you are going to be challenged about not wearing a mask. If I were in your shoes I probably wouldn't go out much either as whilst it is your right to travel on public transport I would not feel comfortable with people giving me negative attention. I am sorry this is happening to you, you must fel so lonely.

If you can’t wear a mask could you wear one of the sunflower lanyards?

Tbh, I’ve seen quite a few people not wearing masks and I wouldn’t dream of confronting them. Have you been confronted or are you worried incase someone does? I’ve only really thought of non mask wearers when I’ve returned home, I didn’t recoil at the time.

Perhaps buy a lanyard, wear a badge, type something out that you can show someone (shouldn’t have to but might make you feel more secure).

I'm aware you don't want a debate on what you can and can't do re masks. None of this is aimed at you - but it's why there's animosity.

Part of the issue is that masks are so hugely important in preventing the spread, we all have a duty to try if at all possible. And the problem is that lots of people just can't be arsed to try because it is either inconvenient or takes a bit of getting used to.

There is a very long list of conditions which could make you potentially exempt. A fair number of people who are technically exempt could wear a mask if they wanted to, but it's just less hassle not to bother and point to the exemption instead.

Their mask protects me. If their mask protected them, I suspect there's a lot of people who currently don't wear a mask who might start wearing one. This country is full of selfish fuckers. Asian countries have been wearing masks for years without any of these issues.

I'm not suggesting for a second OP that you are being lazy or that you could wear a mask. If you can't, you can't. There are absolutely people who really can't wear a mask who are genuine. But all the genuine folk are being affected by people who just can't be arsed, or who don't believe they should have to, so use a technicality to get out of it.

And for the record, I could be exempt too. I persisted and wear a mask because we are all supposed to be in this together. Again OP, not suggesting you're able to do this - but there are many people who could who simply don't.

I hope you get out for some exercise & fresh air, OP.