What if you can’t wear a mask?

[M22s]

So i genuinely understand the rational behind mandating face masks, it makes perfect sense as a low cost, medium impact mitigation. BUT.

What about those who can’t wear a mask?

I have never been able to wear a mask or face covering, as they make me feel extremely claustrophobic - goes back to my childhood when I had a number of minor operations in relatively quick succession, which required general anaesthetic and was always put under via gas/mask.

I spent 10 years on the tools in aviation and have tried lots of different types of masks and all had the same effect, eventually I chose to take the risk and not wear one, or not do tasks which would require me to wear one. So it’s not for not trying to overcome my problem.

So I guess, from Friday, I will effectively be in my own lock down, or lock out being a more appropriate description re. shops.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who this affects, so what are others in a similar position planning on doing?

[BigBiffa]

You can get an exemption certificate but would need to see your GP, so good luck with that.

[irc]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Face-Exemption-Travel-Hol...

[ORD]

BigBiffa said:

You can get an exemption certificate but would need to see your GP, so good luck with that.

I would be surprised if it wasn’t extremely easy to get one!

[Cold]

Section 5 on the dot gov site gives the guidelines for exemptions and it's self-certifying but needs to be legitimate. Your example is covered.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-co...

The Hidden Disabilities scheme will supply you with a Face Covering Exempt card for the princely sum of 55p +vat.
https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/hidden-disabil...

[M22s]

Bit embarrassed, as I should have been able to find that info myself, but google failed me. Thanks a lot folks!

[98elise]

The problem is you will get a lot of remarks from other people. Can you cope with a visor/face shield?

[steveo3002]

not directed at genuine folk that cant use them , but these certificates will be the new dole pole for folk that cba to wear a mask

[ORD]

steveo3002 said:

not directed at genuine folk that cant use them , but these certificates will be the new dole pole for folk that cba to wear a mask

So what? None of your business what other people do.

[Hoofy]

M22s said:

I spent 10 years on the tools in aviation and have tried lots of different types of masks and all had the same effect, eventually I chose to take the risk and not wear one, or not do tasks which would require me to wear one. So it’s not for not trying to overcome my problem.

They're not really trying to overcome the problem. Having therapy is a solution.

You've clearly stated the reason why you can't wear a mask and that should make it easy for any decent therapist to deal with. I'd be happy to help FOC if this really is the reason.

[boyse7en]

ORD said:

steveo3002 said:

not directed at genuine folk that cant use them , but these certificates will be the new dole pole for folk that cba to wear a mask

So what? None of your business what other people do.

How is it "none of your business" when the whole point of wearing masks is to reduce the transfer of a virulent infection?
It the same as vacination - it only works effectively if the majority of people do it.

[ORD]

boyse7en said:

ORD said:

steveo3002 said:

not directed at genuine folk that cant use them , but these certificates will be the new dole pole for folk that cba to wear a mask

So what? None of your business what other people do.

How is it "none of your business" when the whole point of wearing masks is to reduce the transfer of a virulent infection?
It the same as vacination - it only works effectively if the majority of people do it.

Except there’s so little evidence that it works at all that a few people not playing along is vanishingly unlikely to make any difference at all.

We don’t even know whether cloth face coverings decrease, increase or don’t affect infection rates. All are plausible.

[mickyh7]

Its not about your special Mental Health problems or Exemption Certificates.
The fact is if you coughed on someone you could kill them.
I think you'll find a lot of places will say
No mask No shop
Stuff your exemption paperwork.
This is a real problem that kills some people.
I'm certain, that in some area's, you will get assaulted and/or abused if you dont wear a mask.

[Riley Blue]

ORD said:

boyse7en said:

ORD said:

steveo3002 said:

not directed at genuine folk that cant use them , but these certificates will be the new dole pole for folk that cba to wear a mask

So what? None of your business what other people do.

How is it "none of your business" when the whole point of wearing masks is to reduce the transfer of a virulent infection?
It the same as vacination - it only works effectively if the majority of people do it.

Except there’s so little evidence that it works at all that a few people not playing along is vanishingly unlikely to make any difference at all.

We don’t even know whether cloth face coverings decrease, increase or don’t affect infection rates. All are plausible.

Whose evidence would you accept that wearing a mask affects infection rates? The World Health Organisation? It's been advising for over a month that wearing a mask has benefits.

[mickyh7]

Bit like the 'Speed Kills' bks!
No exemption Note for that one though?

[theboss]

mickyh7 said:

Its not about your special Mental Health problems or Exemption Certificates.
The fact is if you coughed on someone you could kill them.
I think you'll find a lot of places will say
No mask No shop
Stuff your exemption paperwork.
This is a real problem that kills some people.
I'm certain, that in some area's, you will get assaulted and/or abused if you dont wear a mask.

Sums up then madness neatly.

If I take my 6 month old child in a masked area - is he going to get abused/assaulted? I imagine most people would show a bit of common sense. My wife will find out in a few days time when she boards a plane with him.

A less straightforward case - if I take my adolescent autistic daughter out will she get the same? Most people will see a “functioning” young adult and may take exception. I could try and get her to wear one but it was interesting to observe during the two occasions she was ambulanced and hospitalised during peak corona that not one healthcare worker decided she really ought to wear one - they realised her difficulties and didn’t even go there. Should I be afraid of taking her anywhere or just fearfully remain in isolation?

[citizensm1th]

Riley Blue said:

Whose evidence would you accept that wearing a mask affects infection rates? The World Health Organisation? It's been advising for over a month that wearing a mask has benefits.

Even the Donald is telling people to wear them now

[ORD]

Riley Blue said:

Whose evidence would you accept that wearing a mask affects infection rates? The World Health Organisation? It's been advising for over a month that wearing a mask has benefits.

You’re conflating evidence and advice. The WHO includes amongst the benefits reminding us all to be scared. Not a benefit that interests me.

There is no worthwhile evidence -note the word- that cloth masks reduce infection rates.

As for coughing on people and killing them, get a fking grip! Nobody should be out coughing on people, mask or no mask, and there are extremely few people with Covid in this country.

We need to get a mature attitude to risk before we end up absolutely screwed by our own panic.

[Hoofy]

The risk:reward is st, though.

[Funny username]

mickyh7 said:

Bit like the 'Speed Kills' bks!
No exemption Note for that one though?

More chance of you dying from speeding then dying from Covid.



I won't be wearing one. If it was March/April, and everyone was ordered to wear an N95 or better, I could see the logic and get on board. Now, the numbers don't agree with making masks mandatory now, and shop workers don't need to wear one?

With your logic, why is there an exemption note for shop owners/workers? Does Covid not affect them?