Mask exemption certs

[Greenwall]

Hi

I was told at surgery this week that those who are exempt from using masks have received a certificate from their GPs.

Is this common practise? Have others received certs?

Thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Why would someone who’s hypothyroid get a mask exemption?

[Greenwall in reply to SlowDragon]

For other issues.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Greenwall

I was under the impression that there are no official exemption certificates.

This is the information on government website. Scroll down to Exemption Cards

gov.uk/government/publicati...

Googling shows the following about who would be exempt from wearing a face covering

The list of exemptions, which has been in place since face coverings became mandatory on public transport, includes hidden conditions such as anxiety or panic disorders, autism, breathing difficulties, dementia, reduced vision or if you are with someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.

[Greenwall in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Seaside Susie. I was under the same impression as you, so I've no idea why surgery told me that those who are exempt have been issued an exemption cert.

[Trill]

I have breathing difficulties in that I just have low lung capacity. GP web page had little printed tiny squares to wear but no GP logo so anyone could use them, and you would need to get very close to someone to read it!

[Greenwall in reply to Trill]

I'm not keen on wearing a "badge", to me it sounds like the 1930's....

[Angel_of_the_North]

Never heard of that. In fact I was told that NHS GPs had been told not to issue any letters. Government site says no cert or letter needed.

[Greenwall in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

That's what I thought too, so why did surgery lie to me?

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Greenwall]

Because they have to appear cleverer than you and make stuff up when they don't know the answer

[tattybogle]

Was it a receptionist who told you this ? Seems to me their main job role nowadays is to fend people off by telling them whatever gets them to go away fastest. Last info i read from Gov't rules on the exemption business was that there's no legal certificate , (if wearing a mask means you experience difficulties then you are 'exempt' ).... but places reserve the right to refuse you access without one.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to tattybogle]

But if they do refuse access to someone with a disability (physical or mental) that is an offence under the Equalities Act 2010 (as well as being against govt guidelines) - so you'd need to be very brave and foolhardy to do it - a bit like refusing to allow a gay couple to book a room in your B&B - you are going to get prosecuted for discrimination

[tattybogle in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Load of charity shops round my way have got polite signs up that say "we're really very sorry , but (due to the behaviour of too many people saying they are 'exempt' ) to protect our volunteers and staff we have reluctantly decided that no mask= no entry"They quote some legal something or other stating their right to refuse admission to anyone they see fit..... however , round here they will have had to put up with drunken oiks claiming to be exempt from masks and coughing up fags all day long for months on end , do i don't blame them for saying 'sorry but no more'

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to tattybogle]

I would report them to your local disability rights organization. They can refuse entry to an individual that they don't like the look of or that they think is drunk or high, but not a whole class of people who are only defined by their "ablement" or lack of it. All charity shops are shut during lockdown anyway. Charities should know better. I'm going to report our local library staff for refusing to allow me to lip read or to write down their questions. They are all supposed to obey government guidelines, not make up their own.

[Greenwall in reply to tattybogle]

Actually an assistant nurse.