Face masks 😷

[Claire_ALUK]

Sorry I know we've posted a lot about this lately but we know many of you have been feeling anxious about face coverings if you find wearing one impossible. More information has been released and the governments in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland state that saying you’re exempt should be enough – people who have a health reason not to wear a covering shouldn’t be asked to provide evidence of their condition, such as an exemption card or medical note, when trying to enter a shop, supermarket or any other place where they are mandatory.

But many people will still feel comfort from having something that explains their exemption. The government in England have unveiled a face covering exemption card and badge for printing or downloading. If you are unable to wear a face covering, you may find this helpful. You can find the relevant government page here gov.uk/government/publicati...

In Wales, the government has advised that you should consider carrying an exemption card or something relating to your medical condition like a prescription or hospital appointment letter.

Remember: if you can, please wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing may not be possible or when you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. Sometimes the feeling of wearing a mask might take a bit of getting used to, but trying different types and starting with short periods of time can help you feel more comfortable. However, if you find it impossible to wear a face covering, you don’t have to wear one. There isn't a blanket rule for people with asthma, but if people can't wear a face mask for medical reasons, they are exempt. An example of this is if a mask makes you too breathless.

All of our advice and the current guidance on this topic can be found here asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[EvieJo]

Hi, I have posted on other threads as have been having problems. I have even now boycotted a local store because of their recent treatment of me in this regard. I just thought I would mention that I found a face covering that is made of chiffon type material, it is lightweight and breathable and I have tried it in the house and think I would be ok with it for very short periods, eg if I had to go in a shop (which I will still be largely avoiding). It also doesn’t irritate (as with the silk ones people are talking about) Along with asthma I have eczema too so my skin easily flares - (great being a sensitive soul isn’t it!)

Now, make no mistake, it protects you and others from bugger all! It will not protect against COVID (as a lot of masks don’t anyways!) It is simply an anti-busybody mask! With everything else I am currently dealing with, my only motivation here is not to be hassled by the rude and the ignorant. Sad, but true.

[twinkly29 in reply to EvieJo]

Honestly that's why I've got some thin 1-layer masks too. As you say not for actual protection but to look the part. Plus you never know it might help a tiny bit - even if it's part of a collective reminder to people on general that everyone needs to be cautious. I spoke to my GP today and mentioned my masks and, while he was very quick to say that absolutely I would be exempt, he completely understood my wanting to have something. I'm glad you've found something tolerable - it's one less hassle isn't it?

[Elspe in reply to EvieJo]

Brilliant idea! There are too many busybodies by far! I know I should not be wearing a mask because my asthma does get far worse -in fact it feels as if I cannot breathe with a mask on - but it seems other people cannot believe that. Chiffon scarf would give the impression of a mask without the airlessness.

Mind you, in our town a lot of people are simply disobedient to the law - they walk too close as well, in town, in shops, etc. I KNOW that many people could not all be asthmatics! Son who is also exempt had quite a discussion on this with his employer and they have settled on his wearing a lanyard. Doesn't convince their customers though and he comes home stressed many days because a customer has had a go at him for not wearing a mask.