Do COPD sufferers have to wear masks?

[QuietLad]

Can anyone more knowledgeable than me tell me where I can find out whether extreme COPD sufferers are exempt from wearing masks in England. They are exempt in Scotland, but I can't find the English official advice.

Is there some sort of official form or ceritficate I need?

Cheers all.

[Hidden]

I think people with breathing problems are exempt from wearing masks

[QuietLad in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, so do I. But I can't prove it by any Authority (i.e. Gov't or NHS) site. Very annoying.

My GP surgery say we are not. They can't find official proof yer either. Cheers. and thanks again.

[hypercat54]

Boris said in England you are exempt from wearing masks on public transport and in shops if you have lung disease.

[QuietLad in reply to hypercat54]

That's great. Can you tell me when and where he said it so that I can look it up. Thanks.

[Jozey]

Here's the link to the official document

gov.uk/government/publicati...

We are covered in the second category on the list.

Mind I have no idea how you prove it as anyone could say they have an illness.

[QuietLad in reply to Jozey]

Hi.

Yes. I have that document, but like you I do not know how to prove I have a relevant problem. Even in section 5 (Exemptions) it does not say that COPD is a reason for exemption. That's where it should be if it is true.

Thanks for your interest.

[Pantani]

I struggle with a mask so I got a face shield. I had to go to A& E last week and wore it. The dictor I saw said I was better iff with a shield because of my COPD.

[QuietLad in reply to Pantani]

Good idea. Thanks

[gingermusic]

I have a photo on my photo from the British Lung Foundation stating I am Exempt due to breathing problems

[ssafa]

There is no permit/ badge etc. If you have a long disease and you have problems with masks it's enough to satisfy the legal requirements. Some people have a doctor's letter and no doubt others will use shielding letters from way back. The decision is yours and one can only hope people understand . There are tags and labels you can get.Hope this helps. I don't like wearing them but a intend to wear them . Keep safe

[Fircone]

If you go to the BLF website there is an exemption graphic you can download. You can then print it off or keep on your phone to show if needed. The BLF are working with the government to clarify how people with lung disease can prove their exemption.

[QuietLad in reply to Fircone]

Thanks

[Robin67]

I can't wear a mask so i purchased a few face shields from amazon

[QuietLad in reply to Robin67]

Thanks

[Hidden]

and for everything else - all covered in the post:

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Kirsteen13]

There is also a website that sell badges and lanyards to say your exempt from wearing a face covering. It’s called hidden disabilities. It’s bright green with yellow sunflowers 🌻 on it

[QuietLad in reply to Kirsteen13]

Thanks

[Maulics]

Saw a consultant demonstrate with a surgical mask, no drop in oxygen levels. I would rather wear one even tho the government said there are exceptions..

[Itsmeagain1 in reply to Maulics]

Did he move around like he was shopping or just standing there because I'm last stage emphysemic I put a mask on and a oximeter on I struggled around the shop and guess what my oxygen levels dropped quite a bit fancy that people with breathing problems who struggle with breathing anyway being made to feel shamed into wearing them disgusting

[Itsmeagain1]

Yes you are exempt

[Maulics]

I saw an advert on tv of a doctor (?) wearing a mask whilst wearing a oxygen reader on his finger. He said "it's no difference with mask on or off" Problem is, he only wore the mask for a few seconds. He almost certainly did not have a breathing condition and he was just stood still whilst talking through this experiment. I have quite bad COPD. I prefer to wear a mask, but I can understand why people dont. It can be suffocating and claustrophobic.