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Original poster

School asking for Covid passports for a school play

91 replies

Nahhh · 09/12/2021 19:14

We had a letter sent home yesterday to say that in order to go to the school Christmas play we need to present a Covid passport.

We’ve also been told that we must provide evidence as to why we are exempt from mask wearing of this is the case.

As it happens I’m fine to present my Covid passport, I’ve had 2 jabs plus a booster but my reason for not wearing a mask is deeply private and traumatic and not something I’ve even spoken to my GP about.

I just feel like the school is pushing the boundaries on privacy a little when these things aren’t required legally at this stage. Is this the kind of thing we are going to have to put up with now?

OP posts:
morticiamarkle · 09/12/2021 19:19

There is no "proof" of a mask exemption
Your word is sufficient. Email them and say medical information is privileged and by asking for it they are contravening the Equalities Act 2010 and may be making themselves personally liable to a fine (don't recall how much but it's £'000s)

Plenty of info from law firms online.

Justgettingbye · 09/12/2021 19:21

What is a covid passport? Do we have to apply for it? Our school has asked parents to do a lateral flow before hand and wear a mask. They haven't asked for proof of result I guess they're just trusting us

Hellocatshome · 09/12/2021 19:23

You dont have to tell them the actual reason and they won't be able to check so unless you want to make a fuss abiut them asking just make something up.

churchofthepoisonmind · 09/12/2021 19:29

Can't see how they can legally do this. It is well established that you do not need to offer a reason why you are exempt from wearing a mask, this is on the government website.
I would kick up a right fuss, maybe even tell the local paper. This is not legal.
See here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
I quote: "If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:

  • you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
  • you do not need to show an exemption card"
CarrieBlue · 09/12/2021 19:33

Damn the school for trying to prevent an outbreak over Christmas. How utterly unreasonable of them!

MaHBroon · 09/12/2021 19:34

I’m not sure what a Covid passport is but where I live abroad we have to show proof of vaccination to even enter the mall and it really isn’t a big deal. When we were vaccinated the information was uploaded to the app the government provided and that was it - go about your day, enter any building, do a temp check , show security your vaccine record, bobs your uncle. It takes no time at all.

Masks are still mandatory though apart from a few exemptions.

Yellowmellow2 · 09/12/2021 19:38

@Justgettingbye

What is a covid passport? Do we have to apply for it? Our school has asked parents to do a lateral flow before hand and wear a mask. They haven't asked for proof of result I guess they're just trusting us
It’s proof that you’ve been vaccinated. You download it from the NHS app.
BusBusBus · 09/12/2021 19:39

And people wonder why schools are cancelling nativities, if the response to trying to mitigate spread is to get lawyers and go to the papers.

I am sure you can just email and say thank you for trying to protect us but the reason is personal and I wont be providing medical evidence.

WingBingo · 09/12/2021 19:40

Your Covid passport is actually a Covid pass

Accessed via the NHS APP, or you can request a copy on NHS.UK.

HTPri · 09/12/2021 19:43

DFE guidance today stated schools should insist on evidence of negative lateral flow tests and masks but not covid passports.

Feenie · 09/12/2021 19:44

Bastard schools trying to stop an outbreak for Christmas!

Goawayangryman · 09/12/2021 19:45

I think I'd email school in advance and say, I won't be wearing a mask, the reasons for this are highly sensitive and do not relate to being a covid denier, and please do not ask further questions as they are intrusive and likely to result in huge embarrassment all round.

I think the school are clumsily trying to stop spread but it's really silly of them to take the 'show us your evidence' approach.

LittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 09/12/2021 19:45

there are loads of exemption reasons....loads....they are not qualified to pass comment

NerrSnerr · 09/12/2021 19:47

They are really not trying to be arses. They are trying to reduce the risk of pupils, staff and families having Covid over Christmas.

Don't go in looking for an argument, call the office and speak to them, or send an email. Schools are not the bad guys in all this.

ladymalfoy · 09/12/2021 19:48

Waiting for this school to be named in the papers.

rainrainraincamedowndowndown · 09/12/2021 19:50

If they don't ask for the evidence, then many won't bother wearing it, I assume?
If you have legitimate reason, can you ask GP for letter?
Is it really worth giving the school hard time for trying to keep children and parents safe?

Original poster
Nahhh · 09/12/2021 19:50

Apologies for using the wrong term for a Covid pass, school had called them passports but, to me at least, it was obvious what they meant.

It’s interesting that this may have come from DofE guidance. It does of course make sense although to me a Covid Pass doesn’t negate the need for a LFT.

I don’t object to being asked to wear a mask unless exempt, I object to having to explain my exemption.

OP posts:
trumpisagit · 09/12/2021 19:52

The school are doing their best to stop it being a spreading event.
They are trying to discourage those who choose to not wear a mask.
I would be in favour of the more "mandatory" mask wearing that we have in the rest of Europe, if the rest of us have to wear one.

LittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 09/12/2021 19:53

retail can't ask for proof, we have to suck it up and accept maskless/unvaccinated customers....they can be in store for an hour or more too. schools can't ask either!

we are ALL trying to prevent the spread...within the law

Bizawit · 09/12/2021 19:54

@MaHBroon

I’m not sure what a Covid passport is but where I live abroad we have to show proof of vaccination to even enter the mall and it really isn’t a big deal. When we were vaccinated the information was uploaded to the app the government provided and that was it - go about your day, enter any building, do a temp check , show security your vaccine record, bobs your uncle. It takes no time at all.

Masks are still mandatory though apart from a few exemptions.

It’s a big deal if you have any remote concern about civil liberties/ personal freedoms/ dignities.
LittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 09/12/2021 19:54

@rainrainraincamedowndowndown

If they don't ask for the evidence, then many won't bother wearing it, I assume? If you have legitimate reason, can you ask GP for letter? Is it really worth giving the school hard time for trying to keep children and parents safe?
are g.p's giving out letters?
BluebellsGreenbells · 09/12/2021 19:54

Gosh! A place of work asking others to protect their staff and their staffs Christmas? Whatever next??

Bizawit · 09/12/2021 19:55

@BusBusBus

And people wonder why schools are cancelling nativities, if the response to trying to mitigate spread is to get lawyers and go to the papers.

I am sure you can just email and say thank you for trying to protect us but the reason is personal and I wont be providing medical evidence.

Thank you for trying to protect us 🤣🤣🤣🙄😩
Watapalava · 09/12/2021 19:55

Passports are only allowed at indoor unseated events or over 500

Unseated is the key word

Unihorn · 09/12/2021 19:56

We had to show passes at a school play today, with a maximum of 20 people allowed in the halls. We're in Wales though where passes have been required for a month for various things, so not really an issue.