Are you going to continue wearing a mask

[Orangesandlemons77]

After next week?

@PurpleDaisies

I’m exempt so I know the rules but I always choose to wear a mask.

How can you be exempt if you are able to wear a mask? The whole point of the exemptions was for people who can’t wear them, which doesn’t appear to be you.

I have a condition that makes me exempt but I still choose to wear a mask.

I have a condition that makes me exempt but I still choose to wear a mask.

You have a condition which could potentially make you exempt but since you can wear a mask, you are not exempt.

I see people with no masks and lanyards everywhere I go and have throughout.

In the real world places are understanding about this. I’m talking about the real world not what oriole say on Mumsnet, where pretty much every type of person has been marginalised to a large degree by differing opinions!

The very definition of exempt is free from obligation.

You can be free from the obligation to do something but still choose to do it.

@PurpleDaisies

I have a condition that makes me exempt but I still choose to wear a mask.

You have a condition which could potentially make you exempt but since you can wear a mask, you are not exempt.

Huh? No. I also have a condition that makes me exempt, but have worn one when required throughout (quickly nipping into shops in my case).

You sound like a monster, people who ARE exempt have been wearing masks due to risk of bullying, public humiliation and retribution by dim bullies with a similar stance as you outline.

Just because some people who are legally exempt have been coerced and shamed into foregoing their legal right to sate frothy mouthed bullies and being shouted at by strangers in public when e exercising said right, does NOT mean their defined legal exemption is thus void.

I could be exempt too but wear a mask. When there is no longer an obligation I won't be wearing one.

Yes. And frequent handwashing. And SD where I can.
I'm double jabbed but a lone parent to 2 ASD kids who rely on me.

I forgot to include above the people who are exempt but who have chosen to wear a mask (alongside those bullied, shamed and coerced) - the point still stands. Due to the exempt status the mask wearing in that context has also always been a CHOICE.

You sound like a monster, people who ARE exempt have been wearing masks due to risk of bullying, public humiliation and retribution by dim bullies with a similar stance as you outline.

I think you’ve really misunderstood what I’m saying. This is about the definition of what being exempt from wearing a mask. I have absolutely no issue with anyone choosing not to wear a mask because they feel like they can’t for any reason they choose. I’ve never challenged anyone for not wearing a mask. I have stood up for people being asked for proof which isn’t required.

Being exempt from wearing a mask means you can’t wear one. If you can, you aren’t exempt and you should (until the rules change or you can’t). People virtue signalling by saying that they are exempt but choose to wear one are actually making it harder for those who actually can’t wear a mask. It’s like the people who say they’re veggie but eat fish.

No - I think what @Wildewoodz meant is that she has a condition that allows exemption.

It’s the condition - not @wildwoodz personally. She’s able to manage the condition in order to wear a mask.

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully

Nope for me and I'll flash my mask exempt card if I'm forced onto a bus or in the health centre etc. And for all the Pearl clutchers on mn, I'm not exempt. I just bought a badge from Amazon mwah ha ha!!!

Thanks for making the lives of those who are genuinely exempt that bit harder.

Call me a pearl-clutcher all you like, but those with disabilities/health conditions which prevent them from wearing a face covering have endured abuse, threats, judgement and worse (I've been spat at by one charming individual) because of the pervading idea that those claiming exemption are taking the piss. Of course nobody should be spitting at anyone - but actions such as yours validate those who choose to behave so disgustingly.

So yeah. Disabled people, and those living with PTSD as a result of rape/DV, and those with sensory issues, and those with painful neurological conditions all thank you from the bottom of their hearts for making day to day life over the past year that little bit shitter.

Being exempt from wearing a mask means you can’t wear one. If you can, you aren’t exempt and you should (until the rules change or you can’t). People virtue signalling by saying that they are exempt but choose to wear one are actually making it harder for those who actually can’t wear a mask. It’s like the people who say they’re veggie but eat fish

Yes, I agree.

My daughter cannot wear a mask. She has Tourette’s and masks exacerbate her self injurious tics.

Some people with Tourette’s can wear a mask with no issues, some people can’t and DD can’t.

I get a bit fed up with people saying oh, I’m exempt but wear one anyway, and I agree with the PP. You might have a condition that may mean you could be exempt, but if you can wear one, you’re not exempt.

It’s like you’re telling those exempt that they’re not really trying hard enough. You can do it, why can’t they.

Re the exemption debate - as long as we understand that for some people there really is no choice in the matter, and masks cannot be tolerated even for the smallest amount of time.

The 'I'm exempt but I wear one anyway' narrative suggests that all who are exempt could wear a mask if they tried hard enough and leaves us open to judgement and abuse. The government definition of exemption (the only definition that applies here) is the inability to put on or wear a face covering. If on any day you are able to put one on and wear one, you're not exempt in that moment - of course conditions fluctuate and one day may be very different to another (I also have RA so fully get that). However there is no list of conditions which automatically confer exemption - even some TN sufferers, for example, find wearing a mask helpful as it protects against cold and winds which can be a trigger. For others (me included) any touch to the face can trigger an attack.

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully that is absolutely disgusting behaviour.

I think if this pandemic was more serious, you know like a disaster movie then people would take it more seriously. As it is no one is that bothered so who cares?? Ha Ha Ha

I have had a severe panic attack due to being unable to breathe and claustrophobic when I’ve worn one for more than a few minutes (stuck behind someone very slow at the checkout), so it’s not as straightforward or black/white as is being contextual to time in my case. So I am not exempt for the initial 5-10mins, but then become exempt when a panic attack starts or I really start to struggle breathing… thankfully these conversations are shortly moot as there’s not much less appealing than random strangers thinking they have authority and power to denigrate and belittle others - ironically to the reasoning behind this is the vulnerable getting grouped in and judged alongside the ones who have no legal exemption.

And there’s nothing virtue signalling when you’re acting in a certain way specifically to avoid abuse or outlining medical history to strangers in public.

Great you are exempt and can manage a few mins with a mask

I'm in work wearing one 9 hours a day wearing one doing a manual job, heavy lifting using machinery and heavy duty equipment and dealing with customers in between .... in an a poorly ventilated building. It's ridiculously hot and you sweat from the minute you enter the building before picking up a pen..

I'm not wearing a mask anymore....out here in the real world customers gave up on social distancing months ago. Wear masks under chins ,come right up to you. And this includes exempt people wearing landyards

Mumsnet is an odd little bubble who screams out 'what about the vulnerable' .... the vulnerable and exempt have no problems asking for help, and getting it. Plenty of vulnerable people come through our doors and are able to manage themselves and navigate to get what they need

Only on here it gets a bit.....odd

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully but why did you bother to buy so weird 'card'

They mean nothing....nothing at all. You don't have to have any specific condition to be exempt you can just self declare and that is that. Nobody has a legal right to ask about it let alone ask for proof

Bit silly going to the lengths of buying cards

New announcement. I’m pleased!

Sainsbury's and Tesco have joined the bookseller, Waterstones, which has said customers should wear masks to protect staff and other shoppers.

Sorry I didn’t mean to infer that at all. I just mean that I know the rules around exemptions because my condition makes me exempt so I speak to a lot of people with the same condition who can’t wear one.

I absolutely understand some people can’t wear one and would never judge someone for it.

My original point back down the line was against a claim that those exempt aren’t allowed in public places which is untrue then the fact I said I know the rules around exemption because I’m exempt got nit picked over and now my meaning looks unclear out of context.

Never said I judge those who are exempt and I don’t.

Add to above… And before someone says why not just say you’re exempt why add the info that I wear one anyway.,. It was because I’ve stated I wear one in other threads and i thought someone might nitpick at that. You can’t win in here

Of course nobody should be spitting at anyone - but actions such as yours validate those who choose to behave so disgustingly
This is a vile thing to say.
It does not ‘validate’ unacceptable behaviour. That is like saying that if a racist feels justified in racist abuse because a person of colour misses a penalty then that abuse is ‘validated’ which ever decent person not consider ‘validation’.
Bizarre mentality to excuse abusive behaviour.
If you object to being in the vicinity of unmasked people - simply stay away from them.

Yes, definitely in shops/supermarkets

Masks are an annoyance but they are the fourth line of defence on indoor settings against the virus. A small annoyance that can have a big impact on transmission.