Visiting Edinburgh - mask exemption

[whiteonesugar]

Hi all

I’m visiting Edinburgh in the next couple of weeks and have mask exemption in England.
Will I need to carry this with me and is it valid? I don’t tend to wear the lanyard (I carry in my bag) as I don’t like to draw attention to myself but not sure whether I’m likely to be challenged in Edinburgh.

Can anyone advise? I’m happy to show the lanyard / card but not a huge fan of wearing it on display as it tends to invite comment!

I think you shoukd wear a mask or stay away from crowded places.

If there is a protocol ie. the lanyard then you should display it in public. Otherwise what is the point of going to the trouble of setting up these systems and creating a public awareness campaign.

Your point would make sense if there was any sort of system set up. As it is a lanyard proves nothing and anyone can get them, so can hardly be protocol to show mask exemption.

Ok, so I posted then. Read the comments. They don't reflect at all what I witness on a daily basis living in Edinburgh. Never seen anyone challenged and dd 11 who looks older certainly never is (although she'd wear a mask if asked - she does so all day in school to avoid repeatedly having to explain she's one of the few still 11 in her high school year)

I believe Scotland is the only country, certainly in Europe, with a vaccine only passport (proof of negative test not included), happy to be corrected though if that's not the case and there are others (I promise I wont take the huff 😅😉).

Aren't negative tests accepted here ? I know in Cyprus proof of vaccine or a negative test (at a cost) within the last 48h are neede seven for attending a dr appointment or visiting the supermarket. Far more strict than for us where it's just for large scale events. I've just had one vaccine so far and checked as was night a ticket for the theatre without time for 2 weeks after my 2nd. It said a negative test was accepted as an alternative

Aren't negative tests accepted here ?

No. Proof of vaccine/proof of exemption only.

@GaolBhoAlba

Aren't negative tests accepted here ?

No. Proof of vaccine/proof of exemption only.

I'm sure Edinburgh playhouse stated they'd accept a negative test in place of the passport. Perhaps I read wrong or are they below the capacity for needing the passport so it's choice they are enforcing?! I should probably know this but as I don't really go to anywhere crowded I've not needed the info so far

@prettybird I didn't mean that you didn't pick it up from the funeral you attended and yes I also read peer reviewed articles don't get my info off Facebook or mn either and my DH has a role which involves public health directly linked to covid response so gets regular in depth updates on ventilation aspects and studies from public health England, Scotland, scientists and latest research findings including global studies and what over public health bodies are finding from far better track and trace systems.

What I meant was you implied in your earlier posts that you had been "safe" before attending a event. I'm sorry that's just not the case you can attend a hospital and catch covid, attend a school meeting and do so or sit in a office for work and still get covid even if wearing a mask if a poorly ventilated environment and for a time period regardless of control measures, masks and hand washing, if ventilation is rubbish then the chances are much greater with delta (in fact they are gathering data on this exact occurrence currently). It's a highly mutating and infectious virus. It is currently widely circulating in hospitals in Scotland for instance (same is for England) an environment with regular sanitation, hand gel, masks for the vast majority and high compliance. This isn't just on covid wards and isn't purely down to people already having covid when they are admitted as they have a covid tests. Just because this fact isn't advertised widely by the SG there is a perception that the virus is only as a result of x behaviour which simply is not the case.
You will also know from articles that delta has a much shorter time of being infectious after 24 hours exposure although symptoms are still typically still the 3-5 day period for most.

I don't think we need stuff enshrined in law to learn to live with a virus. We all need to risk assess what we are comfortable with. Masks are great at reducing face to face transmission if a brief conversation, they do not however do much in a poor ventilated environment after a time period if there isn't another mitigation measure be it social distancing or open window by the studies into delta. Wearing a mask into a cafe, sitting in that space with numerous others whilst eating and then putting it on to go to the toilet isn't going to do jot I'm afraid.

I don’t wear a mask now in Scotland and absolutely no problems. In fact, people have been friendly. I am exempt but pressed on for ages as I don’t like to stand out. I feel embarrassed by the lanyard too, so just ditched both. Including on trains, despite the warnings of doom as you approach Scotland.

So, don’t worry and have a lovely time

Had to have a PCR for work event, because a babysitter tested positive. I’m not routinely testing, but I’m not such a horror that I won’t take a test if I’m potentially putting fully vaccinated colleagues at risk. Anyhoo, negative test results, then I head out on a walk, completely not even thinking about taking a mask. Pop into local co op for milk, obviously sans mask. It’s super quiet. Over the tannoy I hear one of those ‘wear face coverings announcements’ (call me paranoid, but I think they are manually played out by staff…) Empty till area, a masked up young woman literally takes an extra step back from me- staff member is not wearing a mask, just behind the screen, has no problem and happily chats away. I note the woman behind me waits until I am almost out of the door before she steps forward. Pathetic.
Absolutely no idea that I had literally just had a PCR result. Completely judging on my maskless face. It’s hideous what we’ve done to society.
(Note, I don’t have to have a PCR working for the same company as a contractor in London. Nor does Nicola Selfiegeon have to wear a mask when mingling it seems, but let’s keep the Scottish school children in masks all day…)

@prettybird and @ssd. Totally agree with you about posting on innocuous threads.. Have lost count of the number of threads where an OP posts a sensible well written balanced post and is shot down in flames by trolls and troublemakers . Regarding masks, OP hope you have a good break. I loathe and detest the whole mask pantomime and sadly know a few people unable to wear masks for medical reasons who have been treated like pariahs. I wear one myself despite the long running sinus problems which are exacerbated by mask wearing and I wonder how many of the mask police would like to do long shifts in a mask for minimum wages. @WouldBeGood I always find myself agreeing with almost all your posts. Good on you for standing up for your principles, wish I had your guts.

@OnceUponAWhine

Had to have a PCR for work event, because a babysitter tested positive. I’m not routinely testing, but I’m not such a horror that I won’t take a test if I’m potentially putting fully vaccinated colleagues at risk. Anyhoo, negative test results, then I head out on a walk, completely not even thinking about taking a mask. Pop into local co op for milk, obviously sans mask. It’s super quiet. Over the tannoy I hear one of those ‘wear face coverings announcements’ (call me paranoid, but I think they are manually played out by staff…) Empty till area, a masked up young woman literally takes an extra step back from me- staff member is not wearing a mask, just behind the screen, has no problem and happily chats away. I note the woman behind me waits until I am almost out of the door before she steps forward. Pathetic. Absolutely no idea that I had literally just had a PCR result. Completely judging on my maskless face. It’s hideous what we’ve done to society. (Note, I don’t have to have a PCR working for the same company as a contractor in London. Nor does Nicola Selfiegeon have to wear a mask when mingling it seems, but let’s keep the Scottish school children in masks all day…)

And scotgov has encouraged this skewed attitude by omitting, arguably, the most valuable intervention, testing (and then isolating), from its 'covid status' passport (I mean, how can you know your covid status if you havent tested!!??). Anything that saves awkward questions about the failed contact tracing system... just blame EVERYTHING on the mask exempt!

Spot on @GaolBhoAlba I was asking this very thing last week about COP26, folk testing negative to go alongside vaccine status enabled them to be mask free at critical points (not one to defend Boris, but exactly that when sat next to Biden). How many of the delegates were wearing masks whilst seated, knowing they had a negative test that morning?

Apply that to school children who are still routinely testing. If negative in morning, why should they have to wear a mask during the day?

Me in a shop post a negative result, in an office etc, etc. So much of it now is to sustain the impression that governments are still managing the situation. The narrative of wear your mask to protect others is baffling, if you’re negative. You’re protecting yourself from others who are positive, probably wearing a mask and haven’t tested. In the case of young people it’s certainly about the vaccine uptake. Interesting to see the figures for young people in schools where they don’t have to wear a mask (not Scotland) the percentage of vaccinated pupils is generally lower. Interesting stats…

I found it interesting the dynamic of looks yesterday at the rugby from during the game then after!
My section 99% of people weren't wearing masks during the game (people did as they were comfortable with) and it felt very normal, your sat in very close proximity to the person next to you (shoulder to shoulder). Most of the stadium was like this but then on the tram later wearing my exemption landyard and with more space sat next to the open window I was getting stared at by some who had come from the game! I think your right @GaolBhoAlba it comes from the top with statements like why wouldn't you or its not difficult from SG so some hold this attitude and replicate it.
It's not pleasant being stared at or given looks mostly I just crack on with things and recently have just started smiling back now as a: it makes the person realise I have clocked what they are doing/the look b: a simple smile usually make them realise they have been caught out doing so and either blush or quickly look away and stop immediately.
It's surprising effective in a sub passive smiley way!

Re the rugby @Scottishskifun my cousin and his son both tested positive a couple of days after the previous game at Murrayfield. (My cousin older, double vacc, discovered when testing for work). Interesting to note that T&T said they didn’t count anyone at rugby as close contacts. My cousin rang his friend who was sitting with them to let him know, out of courtesy (he wasn't positive) as they were sitting shoulder to shoulder and talking throughout, without masks. Think it’s v.interesting that crowds don’t count anymore, whether you’re wearing a mask or not…

@onceuponawhine I think track and trace are now only going for easy contacts! 😂

It's definitely not everyones cup of tea to be so close to others I have the opinion that if people aren't comfortable then they don't need to go. I however had a fantastic time😁 the only difference in our section was the smuggled hit flasks weren't going up and down between the regulars! 😂

I am going to see a show on Friday night and will be removing my mask as soon as seated as I will eating and drinking slowly throughout.

Thank you @AmadeustheAlpaca 😊

It’s been much easier than I thought

@Pootle40

I am going to see a show on Friday night and will be removing my mask as soon as seated as I will eating and drinking slowly throughout.

Indeed, sales of the largest drink at the cinema must be 1000% up! I actually used a coffee cup throughout a 2h40 movie, that I finished in the first ten minutes. Just picking it up when the staff came in with their night vision binoculars (honestly, it’s ridiculous, I really feel for them) scanning the room. Isn’t everyone who is there-mask or no mask- watching the film because they made a choice to go there. The fakery around us eating and drinking is so silly.

@WouldBeGood You”re welcome 🌺 I can’t believe what the world has come to and how so many people want to keep this going. I have tried repeatedly to cancel my Covid booster jab as I’ve had the two vaccinations already and don’t want a third, but it’s been impossible to get through by phone to the cancellation people and you can’t cancel online. So I’m going to have to not turn up for it, which I hate doing and it means that it’s a wasted appointment which someone else could have had.

[quote AmadeustheAlpaca]@WouldBeGood You”re welcome 🌺 I can’t believe what the world has come to and how so many people want to keep this going. I have tried repeatedly to cancel my Covid booster jab as I’ve had the two vaccinations already and don’t want a third, but it’s been impossible to get through by phone to the cancellation people and you can’t cancel online. So I’m going to have to not turn up for it, which I hate doing and it means that it’s a wasted appointment which someone else could have had.[/quote]
It's fine to not turn up, they don't give an option to cancel, if it was an issue they would. It's expected as the walk in clinics are frequently hugely closer and more convenient. My last appointment meant driving both ways in rush hour traffic, not only outside of the city I live (totally opposite side) but in a different LA area. The vaccine bus was at my local supermarket that week. There was an option to reschedule at one of the other inconvenient centres or to just not turn up and use a walk in down the road.

Hi all - Just wanted to update.

We got back from Edinburgh yesterday - what a beautiful city! I loved it, just wandering around, its almost like an open air museum, so much history. Weather was good too, cold but dry and one of the days was lovely and sunny.

I wore my lanyard in the end, was only asked once if i had a face covering and that was because it was hidden in my jacket as I walked into the shop - he was very friendly and polite when i showed him. Once shop I went in, near the castle, the lady who ran it thanked me for wearing it as it instantly made her feel more comfortable and took away any awkwardness for her having to ask me to wear one - she was lovely. I hadn't thought about it from that side so it was interesting.

Anyway, thanks all for your helpful comments. It wont be my last trip to Edinburgh that's for sure!