A short while ago I looked up the gov.uk website in regard to face coverings, exemptions and exemption proof.
It stated that it's not necessary to request proof of reason, for not wearing a face covering, from a Doctor. Neither is it compulsory to show proof of exemption to shop staff
It also stated that the government do not issue exemption cards but if you would like to carry a card, printed off their website, or one created by yourself then you can show that if you are challenged
Sorry about being long winded
So...my question is does this still apply or has a new law been created, making it compulsory to wear a face covering, and produce proof of exemption?
Twice in Sainsbury supermarket and Boots chemist I've been challenged. Boots security person told me I have to show proof and so I looked up the previous info on the gov UK website. Then in Sainsbury I was asked if I'm exempt from wearing a face covering. I said no, because I* didn't think I am, then I told him what was on the gov website and then he responded with Its Sainsbury's policy. So I said if I refuse to wear a face covering you'll refuse to serve me, he said we can do yes.
* I've since found out I qualify for exemption, due to medical reasons.
Things change so quickly regarding rules and regs of the virus. I can't find any other info/update, regarding this topic, on the gov website
The law hasn't changed, however some shops are clamping down on the irresponsible members of the public that don't think the guidelines are meant for them. Shops can do this because they are private property and can refuse entry at their own discretion.
There is somewhere on the internet where you can get a lanyard to wear to show you're exempt (sorry I don't know the name of the website) or you could print off the government.
However it begs the question. If you've only just found out that you're exempt, how was you doing your shopping before?
You do not have to prove to anyone why you are exempt; that is confidential medical information between you & your doctor! Anyone who says otherwise is wrong! Also, whilst a shop may have the discretion to refuse entry because you`re not wearing a mask, they run the risk of being sued for discrimination, UNDER DISABILITY LAW! I`m getting tired of this business of having a go at people who don`t wear masks, in stores or anywhere in public, under the assumption that they are spreading the virus - there is no evidence to support that, just speculation fuelled by the media to stir up public opinion & turn people against each other! For those people wearing a mask; if the masks work, do you not feel protected enough wearing it that you have to abuse those who`re not wearing one? Some peoples disablities are not visible so don`t go judging someone because they don`t "appear" to be following the "rules". Oh, and a word of caution to those who feel more protected wearing there masks all the time they are out of the house, including in the car (what`s that all about?); your mask will be getting damp & collecting bacteria all the time which you`ll then be breathing back in & eventually cause your bodys` immune system to think it`s under attack & react accordingly, which is exactly like having a virus. See where I`m going with this...? Anyway, rant over, enjoy your shopping :-)
I've always understood that wearing a mask doesn't protect me, but iam protecting others. I understand where you're coming from wraith, and I know people who can't wear one for medical reasons, but why is it that some can't even keep their distance if they can't wear a mask? My personal opinion is that it is common courtesy to respect others, they want to be respected for not being able to wear a mask but then they also should respect those who do wear one and keep their distance.
I just love being able to jump the queue in a store because I am delivering and can't hang about waiting to checkout, the looks I get are almost murderous, until they realise I am a key worker keeping the bog roll on the shelves.
Ragnar: However it begs the question. If you've only just found out that you're exempt, how was you doing your shopping before?
Without a mask, (like most folk, it wasn't challenged, or policed, then) and my reason...because my glasses mist up and I can't see where I'm going. I panic because I fear falling, I have lipodema in both legs and damaged discs in my spine. When I fall I can't get up without help.
I keep my distance and challenge others if they don't keep theirs. I've been sanitising my hands and shopping trollies for 13 years, as I have IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease, aka Crohn's, and getting looks from others as if they think I'm mad. I don't socialise with anyone. I stay home and only go out for food shopping and medical appointments
Regarding the lanyards and other forms of 'proof' that can be printed off by anyone, it doesn't mean the people showing them are exempt so what's the point?!
Have you thought about a face shield rather than a mask? Glasses only mist up as you enter the shop from the cold, it goes away quickly... I didn't realise misting glasses was a medical exemption....
To Gloom Because it's allowed, there are notices up in shops and announcements made asking people to understand why some of us aren't wearing masks/face coverings.
I was refused entry to my Dr surgery because I was wearing a face shield. My glasses steam up all the time I'm in the shop And I didn't state what my medical reason is. We don't wear masks when there's flu going round and it's been likened to the flu ----------------------------------------------------
Quote: Have you thought about a face shield rather than a mask? Glasses only mist up as you enter the shop from the cold, it goes away quickly... I didn't realise misting glasses was a medical exemption.......
I really am getting feedup with people saying it's like the flu. I've lost 3 good friends since last March It's not like flu it's currently put over 30k people in hospital as I post this and it's a killer.
We don't wear masks when there's flu going round and it's been likened to the flu....
Seriously...? I get all sorts of stuff send to me about so called facts... The amount of rubbish spread on sites is astonishing, but what's more astonishing is the amount of people believing it.
Flu kills lots of people every single year, not on the same scale as Covid-19 but it DOES kill.
I seriously think we need to take a step back and take a look at what's happening out there. Not just think about ourselves and gripe about how badly we are done to we are.
Its about time we all did as asked by the Government; Hands, Face, Space. Stay at home and don't go out of your local area.
Stop travelling to shops miles away from where you live, just because you can pop into see a loved one, have a meal, cuppa, stay over.. what part of stay at home do people not understand?
Wear a mask when out and about, it's a case of not only protecting each other but also showing each other respect.
Stop getting too close to others when chatting in the street/shop etc.
Think about your own conduct, not just everyone else's.
Btw, I don't judge people for not wearing a mask nor do I abuse them, I studiously try to avoid them. Even through misty glasses.
I wonder what people of today would have done 100 years ago when the Spanish flu hit... No Internet, no phones... No social media. Millions died because the only person who thought social distancing and lockdown was the best thing to stop the spread was not listened to. It doesn't matter what the government does, it'll be the wrong thing to some
When I said it's been likened to the flu I should have stated that I read that on the WHO or the gov.uk site, I can't remember which but it was definitely one or the other. When hundreds / thousands of people were dying from the flu, before there was a flu vaccine, no one wore masks then, or sanitised or kept their distance. .
Speaking of keeping distance when speaking to someone, as opposed to queueing in shops, millions of us are hard of hearing and this is made more difficult when the mouth of the other person, is covered, so naturally we stand closer, it's necessary and a habit that goes back to childhood, for me, when I lost part of my hearing. So don't be too quick to criticise. I step back when I realise my error, be patient, I've been hard of hearing for over 55 years, this new way of living has only been introduced within the past year.
In the early days of Covid the government stated masks were of no use to us for protecting against the virus, then further down the line masks are compulsory, unless you have an 'age, health or disability reason'. The gov.uk website stated that. Not me. The reasons are stated on their website, if you want to know what they are.
I have just searched the Web and I can't for the life of me find a single website that states the 2 deseases are linked, when in fact these 2 are caused by different viruses altogether. Of course hundreds and thousands are dying of flu every year, hence why it is advised to have the flu jab. Covid has caused nearly 100000 deaths in less than a year in this country alone, hospitals are close to collapse as are their staff. Several have already declared major incidents. Doctors and nurses must feel like it's a slap in their face when they see and hear people denying the severity of the situation and trying to find ways to not have to bother with it all.
In my opinion whether I agree with the measures or not, out of common courtesy and respect for others, to protect the people I work with (disabled children and adults, all clinically vulnerable) I do everything in my power to protect those. So even if it is uncomfortable to wear a mask for hours on end, my glasses misting up or I have to go outside for a few minutes to take a decent breather, I will wear my mask.
If you think you don't have to wear a mask because you are exempt, why not get a simple lanyard, easily available on eBay or elsewhere so everyone knows you have a legitimate reason not to wear one.
As for getting too close to others because you can't hear them, especially when you are not wearing a mask, strewth.... Its since July since mask were mandatory, surely by now, after 6 months or longer it's something you could have found a way round to deal with that....
Glasses and masks are a pain, I agree but visor anti mist solution or (cheaper) washing-up liquid ease the problem. A lot of the fogging is due to different temp. There is always a solution for most problems. Stay safe everyone 😷
Yes masks and glasses are a pain, but manageable if you plan for it. Besides anti mist options I take a spare set of glasses in a pocket so they stay warm then switch over once I enter the shop.
Masks do work, the science and the evidence is behind that 100%. Don't pay any attention to anyone that tells you otherwise, it's unlikely they have their head screwed on right.
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