I have read that people with breathing problems are exempt
from wearing a protective mask. My query is about using public transport. Trying to board a bus or train the chances
are without a mask you would be turned away. I think it could be necessary to carry a card stating the medical condition (in my case asthma and COPD) to be allowed to
travel. I have tried NHS lung function and my CP surgery and neither have the answer. Please can you help?
Thank you
It's hard to know what to do, surely someone must be able to advise us. If you manage to get an answer please let us know. Have a wonderful day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx xx 🌈
The advice is also to avoid public transport if you can.
I really wouldn't think its safe at this time to use public transport but if you are going to risk it I would want to wear at the very least a face shield and also to carry with you, the repeat perscription information. On my repeat prescriptions it does actually state I have COPD, or you could carry a recent letter from the hospital surgery, NHS .gov letter anything along those lines.
But really I would not be risking it.
And besides if you got on a public transport without a mask and so did a handful of others, would you really feel safe and confident they were not carrying the virus?
Even if they also carried proof of their illness, they wouldn't be obliged to show it to you so how would you know.
Gotta try and see things from other peoples view point.
I wouldn't trust any person without a mask if I was on public transport purely because once your outside travelling in that way without a mask you could potentially be infected.
My specific query is travelling by train in Sept 2020.
We plan to go First Class to avoid crowding.
You did not mention that above, for sure that would definitely lower the risks, you will still be standing on platforms but hopefully come September 2020 better safety measures may be in place and you my even have a recognised exemption pass by that time.
Hopefully all will sort itself out for you so that you can be safe.
Personally I would still be cringing if I saw anyone not wearing a mask on public transport, just no guarantees they are not infectious. Still what will be will be.
If I'm ever going to get home I'm going to have to travel on s lot of public transport. I can't breathe with a mask or even a scarf. I'm sure other people will glare or make comments if I don't wear a mask. That's on the planes that allow exemptions. I'm sure it's getting tiresome that I keep on about masks but I'm really concerned about how I'll manage.
Me too. I won't be able to breathe in a mask but how do you convince transport staff and other commuters? And avoid being turned away and glares and remarks from people? x
That is very dodgy HH are you going to wait till the end of July? Things could be better by then. I would definitely be thinking about a face shield and also anything that indicates you have a lung condition. Perhaps you can get your doctor to email you something. Possibly the British Embassy in the country you are stranded may be able to advise on face covering requirements etc.
Take extra good care.
At the moment I can't sort out travel, nothing is working out, so I guess realistically it will be into July before I can envisage any journey. Maybe I will try to email my doctor and see if I have been sent The Letter and/or if he'll write me one that I can use for traveling.
good to get things in place ready to go 
I listened to the government statement about masks and those who were exempt from using them due to breathing difficulties......but no details were given .
I don’t know if NHSEngland were told of the plans .
My daughter has to go to work by train.....no work no money ....she is asthmatic but is ok with a mask. There are lots of rules to follow to lessen the risk of infection when putting mask on and off, and while wearing one .
My HealthCentre asks people who are attending to cover mouth and nose .
Have you tried contacting your MP.....in theory they should know how to prove exemption .Send them an email .
I think by September 2020 there will be procedures in place . Wise to book 1st class, hopefully there wont be a scrum at the doors. P
I have sent a pm to moderator_AandLUK as follows
Many of us are worried about the compulsory face mask wearing on public transport and how to convince staff and passengers we are exempt. Do you or anyone at BLF have any advice on this please?
If so can you arrange for something to be put on the main forum please?
Thanks Bev
Have had a reply from Trevor saying he will pass my request on to see if BLF can offer any advice.
I got my exemption card from the bus company that I use, its called helping hands, just show the card to the driver and I can get on the bus without having to wear a mask BLF ,have an app that you can use also, hope this helps,x
THANK YOU, I phoned ASTHMA UK and was given info to contact
Stagecoach and got the exemption card by return! Also phoned
British Rail and was told just explain at barrier and you will be
allowed to board (so I will carry Stagecoach exemption to show.
Today phoned Asthma UK again asking what about compulsory
wearing of masks in shops? I was too soon for information coming from
the govt. Of course they say nothing about exemptions - it might cause
confusion!!! Asthma UK will advise when they know. First Class.
need a gas mask
TO WEAR A MASK , OR NOT TO WEAR A MASK - THAT IS THE QUESTION .......................
Why it could be dangerous to exercise with a face mask on.
Bipap mask
