Has the UK government issued guidelines for those of us who struggle to breathe with a face mask/coverings?

[Boudica1]

I don't know if there is anything on this matter and it was only brought home to me this past weekend.

I had to go to hospital because of breathing problems and Arrythmias and was given a disposable mask to wear. No matter how many times I tried to wear it it just made the symptoms worse. It certainly wasn't panic as I was happy to put it on and more importantly didn't want to run the risk of not only the covid 19 virus but heaven knows what else could be lurking.

So I wondered what if anything is going to happen for those of us who really have a legitimate reason for not wearing a face covering/masks. Does that mean in future we won't be seen in hospitals or GPs or allowed when shielding ends in the small shops or anywhere else for that matter?

Will we be issued with a exemption certificate to prove that we can't wear them due to medical reasons?

It's bad enough going stir crazy in shielding as it is but the thought of being singled out yet again is a bit much to say the least.

X

[hypercat54]

The govt has said that those with breathing difficulties, and the disabled, are exempt on public transport. I have not seen anything about how we prove this though. I can see us being refused travel or being glared at by other commuters.

[Egpa1 in reply to hypercat54]

Why don't the bus company but a number or letter on our disabled bus pass, that way we have picture and some kind of identification with out fuss and bother every time we go out. Could be used in shops as we for identification.

[flicky1 in reply to Egpa1]

I think a lot of us don't have a disabled bus pass. I don't.

[hypercat54 in reply to Egpa1]

I have a bus pass as a pensioner but it's not a disabled one.x

[flicky1 in reply to hypercat54]

Maybe we should badges made .....

[knitter]

I suggested yesterday to a member that they contacted their MP by email to find out the official advice . They should know as they make the guidance rules.

The advice on face masks has changed so many times, but they should let us know the details .

I wonder if the BLF could contact the government or NHS England . I don’t know what happens in the devolved NHS .

[hypercat54 in reply to knitter]

I have asked our BLF moderator, Trevor, to see if there is any advice they can give us, x

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to hypercat54]

Please let us know if you get a reply. 💐

[Bkin]

For now its just a question of watch this space Boudical. (or keep abreast with the announcements), I think there was something on the Q&A on the tv last night but I wasn't paying much attention to be honest. I am sure detail will be forthcoming at some point

The Q&A is every Monday at 8pm on itv. You can also watch catch up here:

itv.com/hub/coronavirus-q-a...

[joyce74]

Their was a lady GP a few days ago on the BBC early am discussing the needs to where masks on public transport. She said that people with respiratory Illnesses eg COPD would be exempt but those with COPD should not be going on public transport at all .

[hypercat54 in reply to joyce74]

Well my doctors have said that anyone who attends the surgery must wear a face mask! x

[Carnival567 in reply to hypercat54]

Mine too - glasses, oxygen and face mask not an easy combination

[hypercat54 in reply to joyce74]

So does she suggest how those without transport do our shopping? x

[joyce74 in reply to hypercat54]

She obviously was suggesting that we stay in isolation which fortunately we are able to do thanks to our 2 daughters . Can imagine some people wearing masks would have something to say to anyone getting on without one, unless they had notification with them to say they were excerpt from wearing them. If allowed out I would use a normal thick scarf

[hypercat54 in reply to joyce74]

Well I don't have either children to shop for me, or a car. Only those who are severe are shielded and have the letter and priority shopping slots online.

There are millions like me, including asthmatics, who need to use public transport and I don't have any option. x

[joyce74 in reply to hypercat54]

I feel sorry for anyone having to cope alone . I’m in the shielded group. I have a pregnant granddaughter who is asthmatic who has been told she must not wear a 😷 x

[Joy123]

I’ve got a mask with vent in the side and have had no difficulty keeping it on for 5/6 hours at a time. I’m on oxygen 24/7 maybe this helps though? x

[Bolton-Lass]

carry your shielding letter or show the text if you got one that should be enough

[Suzie42]

I thought government guidelines clearly state if you are someone with breathing difficulties and struggle with mask you do not have to wear one. BUT it leaves you without any protection....I think a visor is the way to go

[Boudica1 in reply to Suzie42]

The problem is having the correct and universal form of indentity that would be accepted by the hospital and transport authorities as proof of exception.

Plus face masks do not protect the wearer's from catching the virus, they only stop the person who is wearing it from passing on the virus through the droplets they breath, cough or sneeze out. Which does help those of us who really struggle to breathe in a face mask.

X

[Stephend]

I have a Disabled bus pass you can apply for it from your local government and it’s for 12 months and it’s free for buses and so much off trains free on trams as well

[Boudica1 in reply to Stephend]

I'm glad you have something for public transport. both my husband and I drive so the bus pass doesn't work for us especially in place like hospitals and shops or anywhere that are trying to insist on mask's, which I have tried a lot of so know that I can't wear them unless they want to watch me suffocate to prove my point. Not something I'd like to try.

[Stephend]

Ask doctor for an exemption certificate from wearing one I think they would do that if you don’t ask you don’t no good luck and stay safe