School asking for Covid passports for a school play

[Nahhh]

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?

@MyDcAreMarvel

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

you can self declare for any reason personal to you,doesnt have to be medical and doesn't require GP letters. the official guidance says mask not needed if exempt or have a reasonable excuse

How does the vaccine offer PROTECTION at a school play?

@Watapalava

Passports are only allowed at indoor unseated events or over 500

Unseated is the key word

I thought venues could request them anyway? The last two times I’ve been to the theatre we had to show a covid pass or proof of negative test.

@rainrainraincamedowndowndown

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.

But how does trying to make the OP disclose personal information about why she is exempt protect anybody? At the end of the day she will still be exempt. And the school are breaching the Equality Act

To invite parents in person, the head has probably had to do a risk assessment (I think that was the guidance here in Welsh schools at least). They are therefore probably following the points made in that risk assessment, the purpose of which is to demonstrate how they're following their duty of care to staff and pupils.

@CarrieBlue

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

Then by all means ask for a lft because having a passport means bugger all!

You're lucky you can go! My DD's school will be filming her play. Sad about this and would be more than happy to provide a vaccine passport and negative LFT if it meant we could watch her. Feel like I'm missing out on such important years.

But the lateral flow tests are pointless nobody knows when it's been done. There is no date on it. I know someone who just keeps the same one and gets that out each time they need it. There is always an element of trusting people to be sensible but they arent always.

@NerrSnerr

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.

Oh yes, this!

Just call and say, in a non stroppy tone of voice, that you don't wear a mask for medical reasons, but really don't want to be questioned on it at the door.

It's hard being school staff at the minute - can't do right in any direction, we're just trying to keep our communities safe.

@tootiredtospeak

But the lateral flow tests are pointless nobody knows when it's been done. There is no date on it. I know someone who just keeps the same one and gets that out each time they need it. There is always an element of trusting people to be sensible but they arent always.

Dickheads gonna dickhead. Can't legislate for them, but can ask nicely.

It’s to stop the fake exempt people. Just send a polite email.

@Bizawit Yes, well said!

Our school encourage lateral flow beforehand - I'm still not understanding why having the vaccine stops an outbreak - I know so many vaccinated who have passed it on to vaccinated!

If I was the Head, I would just cancel parents attending.

Just wear the visor OP and go to the event. You don't need to email and explain anything - it is nothing to do with them. And I say that as someone who has worn a mask/face covering throughout the pandemic.

@Meandmini3

It’s to stop the fake exempt people. Just send a polite email.

Fake exempt wouldn't wear a visor.

@morticiamarkle

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.

That isn't even true.

There are no legal restrictions on asking someone why they aren't wearing a mask. None at all.

Why quote an Act you don't understand?

@julieca

If I was the Head, I would just cancel parents attending.

This is exactly what we have just done.

Sorry to hear you've been managing trauma related stuff re masks OP, that sounds really difficult.

Can you email the school saying you're fully in support of their safety measures but you're exempt from wearing a mask and don't wish to disclose the details?

You could also do a LTF on the day. I think a LTF is a separate issue to mask exemption, but if you get anyone questioning you then mentioning the LTF might help calm anyone being difficult.

Can you also source one of those blue badges stating you're exempt from wearing a mask? I think they can be really helpful.

So sorry that the need for masks is triggering past stuff for you, and hope you find a peaceful way through with the school.

Example of a badge here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/865814160/face-mask-exempt-pin-badge-pin-badge?gbraid=0AAAAADutTMcn6XbAvmzSPRDi2M3mSoLE&gpla=1&gao=1&&utmmsource=google&utmmedium=cpc&utmmcampaign=shoppingukkengbbe-accessories-patchesanddpins-pinsanddpinbackbuttons&utmmcustom1=kkCjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzVc8Wux9gTR9e4AVxa5Yn0KL8Bqc8uhoQTC1fftv8tAPutYHOqaRoCqe0QAvDDBwEkk&utmcontent=goo32623840820236728648888513051248aud-1184048147899:pla-1065513842755m865814160engbb472297368&utmcustom2=326238408&gbraid=0AAAAADutTMcn6XbAvmzSPRDi2M3mSSoLE&gclid=CjwKCAiA78aNBhAlEiwA7B76pzVc8Wux9gTR9e4AVxa5Yn0KL8Bqc8uhoQTC1fftv8tAPutYHOqaRoCqe0QAvDD_BwE

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

It’s not just that evidence isn’t legally required, it’s that it doesn’t exist. What GP surgery is giving appointments to provide an exemption letter? How would anyone provide this proof, if it was something their GP was aware of? My GP surgery only books you an appointment if, in their words, it’s an “acute medical emergency”.
It’s like when people post on here about a school asking for a Dr’s note when a child is off for a day or two. You cannot get these things!

"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."

So some disabled children get no education. Nice school.

I can’t believe all the people suggesting OP go to her GP and ask for a letter. I thought the nhs was supposed to be oh so overwhelmed? Isn’t that what this whole debacle is meant to be about? Do you think GPs have better things to do with their time? Honestly. Have you any idea how hard it is to get a gp appointment these days when you are actually sick. Honestly , give your heads a good wobble.

@Bizawit

I can’t believe all the people suggesting OP go to her GP and ask for a letter. I thought the nhs was supposed to be oh so overwhelmed? Isn’t that what this whole debacle is meant to be about? Do you think GPs have better things to do with their time? Honestly. Have you any idea how hard it is to get a gp appointment these days when you are actually sick. Honestly , give your heads a good wobble.

All two of them?

@Spikeyball

"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."

So some disabled children get no education. Nice school.

can the same be applied to supermarkets and other retail....no mask, no entry, or would that be too much trouble?