Government exemption cards

[EmmaF91]

Hi guys

I know people are concerned about exemption cards etc now that masks are required for shopping. The government has created a few downloadable/printable options to use if you want to. Hope this helps anyone who needs one

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Junglechicken]

Thank You Emma 🙂

[EvieJo]

Thanks for this, I think I may have to do this. I went to pick a prescription up yesterday (in a supermarket) and most people were wearing them, I felt I had to put one on as those that weren’t wearing them were getting funny looks and I didn’t want to deal with it. I needed a couple of bits from the shop but I lasted 5 minutes and had to get out. So I left without the things I needed. I might try getting a thinner fabric one (used one of those disposable medical ones). It probably won’t be fit for purpose and a total waste of time but if it keeps everyone else happy?!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to EvieJo]

If it helps, I have a couple of those for bad asthma days. Not fit for purpose, but stops any agro I may get for not wearing one...

I got someone to make me a couple single layer cloth mask in various fabric thicknesses (I’m not crafty enough to do my own 😅😂). The most they do is absorb water molecules but they don’t seem to have a major affect on lungs most the time, which is better than nothing but hey ho.

I plan to print one off, but I do also have a hidden disability (sunflowers) lanyard and card if I need it also.

Hope this helps and you find something that works for you, be it a thin mask or an exemption card!

[MistyDay59 in reply to EmmaF91]

Where did you get the sunflowers lanyard and card please?

[Junglechicken in reply to MistyDay59]

hiddendisabilitiesstore.com...

I think this is it.

[MistyDay59 in reply to Junglechicken]

Thank you.

[msbling]

My worry with these exemption cards is that anyone can download them and say they have whatever. How would you deal with this if you were challenged? I have severe asthma went out yesterday and couldn't cope with the mask.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to msbling]

I’m hoping that most shops etc won’t get too aggy about it if I have a card. Everyone knows there are exemptions, and if someone’s taken the time to get/print an exemption card then they are more likely to believe the issue (I spent a whopping 55p for a ‘proper’ card saying I have a hidden disability and can’t wear a mask from the sunflower hidden disability charity 😅). Otherwise my plan is to calmly explain I have a resp condition (or severe asthma depending on how open I want to be) and show them my inhaler.

I think those exempt because for mental health reasons (ptsd etc) will have a much harder time of it to be honest as there is usually no physical proof (like an inhaler to back them up) and there is a bigger stigma with MH than resp conditions...

[Junglechicken]

Hi Emma. I’m also carrying my repeat prescription which has my name and address on plus my driver’s license just in case.

[Bathtimebliss]

I got an exempt message from asthma uk which you can show on your phone, I've attempted shopping in a mask locally and also shown the asthma message to each shop in case of emergencies and it's been excepted with no issues. I'm trying little and often with the mask for everyone's safety but do have a get out clause if needed!

[Tracymum]

Thank you so much for this asthama uk do one too. I had to use that one today as i couldnt beathe in a shopping centre today and had a mini attack witn face mask on i had to take it off and keep it off when in the centre. Thankfull my kid didnt see the attack but some ask me and i just showed the card and inhavers and the understood