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Covid

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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:

MissAmbrosia · 09/12/2021 19:57

If you can't wear a mask then don't go. No-one without a mask can set foot in my child's school. Children included. It's strange how no-one complains about exemptions.

ruabon1977 · 09/12/2021 19:57

I'd prefer the school to live stream it with no audience. It will be very difficult to manage checking Covid vaccination evidence and you can guarantee there will be some stroppy parents who don't read information from the school (or claim not to).

A scarf, a bandana or a snood can be a face covering, more easy to remove than most masks.

santabetterwashhishands · 09/12/2021 19:58

I think your school are being very reasonable!
Around here all nativities are online only for the second year running!

rainrainraincamedowndowndown · 09/12/2021 19:59

@LittlestLightOnTheXmasTree I don't know, but if it's medical exemption, isn't that the first place you ask? I certainly asked my dc's GP/consultant for the letter when we needed some kind of confirmation of status of his illness in the past.

Sally872 · 09/12/2021 20:00

The school are trying to avoid people forgetting/not caring about a mask claiming to be exempt. I think it is very difficult to get proof so a message like the one suggested by @goawayangryman should satisfy them. Good luck

rrhuth · 09/12/2021 20:00

@Watapalava

Passports are only allowed at indoor unseated events or over 500

Unseated is the key word

I think the legislation is that covid passes are only REQUIRED at indoor unseated events of over 500.

PAFMO · 09/12/2021 20:01

@Unihorn

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.

The OP is also in Wales I believe.

oatmilk4breakfast · 09/12/2021 20:02

Look up Adam Wagner online - he’s across all the new legislation. Whatever you think about it, masks are not even mandatory for school activities.

MyDcAreMarvel · 09/12/2021 20:03

The school are doing the right thing. Be annoyed at the mask on expiring fakers not the school. The amount of people genuinely exempt is minuscule and proof should be required via a GP so you don’t need to give the exemption reason to schools/venues etc

Mittenmob · 09/12/2021 20:04

Well we begged to have a system like this but we're still turned down despite very low cases and were packed off with an awful video of the children singing into an empty hall. I wish they hadn't done it at all because parents and children were all upset by it.

WonderfulYou · 09/12/2021 20:06

They are doing it so people can still watch their kids play but nit have Xmas ruined. I think it’s a great idea.

I would ring the gp first and see if you can get an exemption letter which I assume you can. But if you can’t give the school a ring and explain that you’re double jabbed, will do a LFT etc but can’t wear a mask and can’t provide proof - I’m sure they’ll be fine with it, it’s probably more aimed at people who wouldn’t bother wearing one because they can’t be bothered.

rainrainraincamedowndowndown · 09/12/2021 20:09

This actually makes me sad. It maybe OP's right to her privacy, but it's also about the school has right to protect staff/children/parents.
It's comes down to personal right against right of a whole group of people. And I know which has greater value.

HereComesSpringAgain · 09/12/2021 20:10

[quote rainrainraincamedowndowndown]@LittlestLightOnTheXmasTree I don't know, but if it's medical exemption, isn't that the first place you ask? I certainly asked my dc's GP/consultant for the letter when we needed some kind of confirmation of status of his illness in the past.[/quote]
our p's certainly aren't giving out letters, but then many exemptions are not medical anyway

HereComesSpringAgain · 09/12/2021 20:10

*our G.P'S

BoredZelda · 09/12/2021 20:13

Passports are only allowed at indoor unseated events or over 500

They are only required in larger events. Any organisation can ask for them if they wish. Your choice is not to go if you can’t follow their rules.

Goawayangryman · 09/12/2021 20:14

No teacher or school leader I know would want any parent to miss their kids' end of year performance because they were genuinely unable to wear a face covering. Just email them. All will be fine. No-one will be stopping anyone going in to a kids' Xmas performance.

MyDcAreMarvel · 09/12/2021 20:14

but then many exemptions are not medical anyway exemptions are medical ,past trauma that means you can’t wear a mask is still medical.

ChilliGoat · 09/12/2021 20:16

The updated advice for schools says the following so on the passports they may just be following guidance. As for masks Some parents and kids will be vulnerable and they’re just trying to protect them but I do feel asking for exemption reasons is a bit much.

Updated guidance : Schools are not required to use the NHS COVID Pass, unless they are holding a specific event (such as a reception, concert or party) that meets the attendance thresholds. Where applicable, schools should follow guidance on mandatory certification for events. Under 18s are exempt from showing their COVID Status but should be counted towards attendance thresholds.

Original poster

Nahhh · 09/12/2021 20:16

I will email them, I just get incredibly nervous at the thought of having to disclose my reasons to anyone.

I can manage a visor so hopefully this will be enough.

OP posts:

Goawayangryman · 09/12/2021 20:20

You dont have to disclose anything. Really. The fact you've emailed in advance with a thoughtful response will tell them all they need to know. They will leave you alone. They really will. This is aimed at dickheads, not you, OP.

Couldntmissthisonethisyear · 09/12/2021 20:23

Our local school is asking for the exact same, maybe the same school as you or are more schools taking the piss with this.
They can't demand proof of exemption and there isn't any proof anyway. As for covid passes maybe they can make their own rules as its their property, who knows.

If they're trying to prevent an outbreak it's a bit late as there's classes off and the head has just tested positive.
A shame but maybe this isn't the time for having parents in school.

bumbleymummy · 09/12/2021 20:25

@HTPri

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

This makes sense. Showing vaccine passports does not.

itsgettingwierd · 09/12/2021 20:26

@Nahhh

I will email them, I just get incredibly nervous at the thought of having to disclose my reasons to anyone.

I can manage a visor so hopefully this will be enough.

That sounds a good compromise.

Just email and say the reasons you can't wear a a mask are extremely personal but you will wear a shield instead.

Don't ask if that's ok etc. just state what's happening.

ruabon1977 · 09/12/2021 20:29

I think a visor is a sensible suggestion.

godmum56 · 09/12/2021 20:30

@Watapalava

Passports are only allowed at indoor unseated events or over 500

Unseated is the key word

not allowed, required by law. I can ask an electrician to show a covid pass to enter my house if i wish. He can say no of course.

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