i recently travelled on my local bus and went into nearby town no problem on the return i went to board the bus and was told mask please i stated i was exempt and the reply was then' no mask no journey' so i asked my wife if she had a spare mask and borrowed one of hers so i could go home .
At the time i was carrying my oxygen and wearing a nasal canula and only being able to use one arm due to surgery a week before ,phoned the company and they said that is their policy and it applies to anyone exempt or not i explained i have c o p d thats why i carry oxygen and they said no difference .
Written by
bobbyblade
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well that wasn’t handled very well was it? I know that in shops exemptions apply but I don’t use public transport so am unsure. There are rigid plastic face masks available plus a device that holds a mask away from your face which could help. It just seems as if the bus company are not willing to accept exemptions.
I’m not sure what you can do. Speak with the Citizens Advice Bureau maybe. Xxxx
going by the companies website they have had several instances regarding the above yet on the journey out which was no problem even the driver was not wearing a mask
Thats absolutely disgraceful, i bet the driver wouldn't have confronted a youngster or big threatening looking person. They home in on the most vulnerable. Im so sorry you had to go through that ordeal
I strongly suggest you stand up for your rights by asking a local solicitor to seek financial redress from the bus company. Hitting them where it hurts is the best way of getting an illegal policy changed, not just for you but for all those who are exempt.
That blanket policy is not good at all. I suppose that transport companies follow the guidelines to the letter without considering other factors to make it straight forward for themselves. It is my understanding that is dangerous to wear a mask as an oxygen user as it affects the concentration of the oxygen you are inhaling. I hope that you don't need to use public transport too often.
That doesn't seem lawful to me? My local bus just went past and it says on the side "Masks to be worn, unless exempt" As Sassy says, perhaps have a word with C.A.B? xx
How absolutely awful for you. I'm horrified! If you are going to need regular public transport you will need to know this couldn't happen again so you will need to obtain advice on this. There will be others in a similar situation so it needs to be addressed. In the meantime why not get a see through helmet type mask.
The law clearly says you have to wear a mask in public places unless exempt. They have broken the law and can be sued. They are also not allowed to ask why you are exempt and the only people you have to explain it to are the police if they are called. I would contact your MP and let them know.
I had something similar last year with a bus driver. I can wear a mask for short periods so do. I got on a bus and my mask was around my chin and the bus driver reminded me to pull it up which I was going to in a moment. I then said I was exempt anyway because of copd and he told me I had to have an exempt card. I told him it wasn't the law I had to and he wasn't allowed to query it. He then questioned me further and embarrassed me.
I complained to the bus company (Stagecoach) who agreed 100% with me and said it wasn't the drivers job to enforce it and they took it seriously and would investigate. I later found out the driver had been doing it to others too and he was dismissed.
Take it further and don't let it go please. Good luck.
Maybe people will need to get a specific document from a medical practitioner to prove exemption, but I read we will be encouraged soon to dispense with masks altogether. Pete and I will not be doing that.
I've heard of people asking their GP for instance for proof of exemption to be told 'no' as no one is required to provide evidence according to the government website. There are apparently printable cards and badges on the government website for those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a mask.As for longer term mask wearing this summer sassy, do what you think is best. I suspect that many will do the same as you. I certainly would if I could wear one for longer than 10 minutes without worsening breathlessness. xx
It seems to be such a grey area Carole. If no one is required to prove exemption then everyone should be on board with that. Clearly that isn’t the case. I feel for anyone who can’t breathe anyway without people being castigated because they simply can’t wear a mask. Luckily Pete can for the short time we’re out.
We’ll do our own thing and I’m sure you will too. Take care dear friend. Xxx💜🥰
Totally agree Carole. Government has issued guidelines which, in principle, are very understandable given the rampant way the virus has spread but there has been little thought or guidance given to people with any disability. I have often wondered how the profoundly deaf have coped when faced with someone wearing a face mask if they communicate by lip reading for instance. Also the visually impaired for whom social distancing must have been a minefield.I'm sure we all hope that things will continue to improve and the use of restrictions be less necessary to ease the problems of those unable to follow them.
Gosh, I'm getting on my soap box a lot lately 😁. I'll shut up now!
Some shops near us have a sign on the door saying no mask on entry and I thought that's discrimination against the disabled who can't wear one so I don't bother with those shops!
With all due respect that's direct discrimination against the disabled as its not like you are messing about and can wear a mask but won't!
This morning in the Co op there was someone nor wearing a mask but no one said anything and I didn't either assuming they were disabled unless proven otherwise.
the company has stated that this policy applies to all passengers and the risk can be minimised if all passengers wear a face covering and most passengers are on the bus for 10 to 20 minutes max and the drivers 8 hours , face shields can be worn as a alternative and our policy has been lodged with the equalities and human rights commission for review ,they also state that it would be interesting to receive from me what other measures we can take to keep everyone safe
Good god how appalling especially when you're using O2 and carrying a tank! I'd put in an official complaint to the company and the council. I saw signs at my town's Aldi the other day clearly stating NO MASK NO ENTRY . If I'd had the energy I'd have spoken to the manager. Obviously I voted with my feet & walked out with no purchases
I know of an Aldi store where there were some workers who were exempt from wearing masks and the customers complained to the health and safety who appeared at the store and told the manager that exempt or not the workers had to wear a mask ,leave their jobs or work out of sight which meant a major cut in their wages ! How do I know -my son in law is the manager. X
Unfortunately for those that struggle to wear a mask. No shop or bussnes has to allow you to enter without a mask. Exemptions are very much down to the business itself to allow or not.
It’s terrible!!! Especially if a bus is your only means of transport and you need to regularly go on them! I’m sure there must be a legal road to go down in regards to that. Like you carry your oxygen rank around for the fun of it! Shocking!
This is a dreadful situation and it’s not the fault of either the individual or any company trying to do the right thing. The problem is that anyone can say they’re exempt and I’ve seen “anyone” saying it. The supermarkets are full of “exempt” people with either no mask or (pointlessly) a mask under their nose. Those who are truly exempt should have something official and should be allowed access to everywhere. This was a government mistake.
Hi Bobby, so sorry you went through this embarrassing and distressing incident. I too have an exempt lanyard around my neck but I must admit I still get some very nasty looks. I have given in in shops by wearing a mask but find I cannot breath as well and I find myself holding the base of my mask away from my mouth a little, this helps. Take care, Maximonkey
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Dry Skin especially on the face. 
Hospitalised with covid, how long to get off oxygen and released?
Managing oxygen cyliners
Removed from Transplant
Selling Inogen G4 portable Oxygen concentrator
