[Misc] Does anyone know someone who has a face mask exemption ?

[Wardy's twin]

Prior to lockdown, my barber had an argument with a customer on this topic. My barber has been very careful about ensuring space, air flow, cleaning, etc. The customer said he didn't have to wear a mask but had no lanyard or exemption certificate. My barber politely said that was fine but he wasn't going to allow him in the shop as the customer could be infected and spreading the virus so didn't want to risk the health of himself or his other customers.

Now, if the customer had a genuine reason for not wearing a mask, then you would expect that he would understand the stance taken by my barber. As it was, this bloke went off on one about his right to a haircut before storming off so you may question the validity of his argument.

If only others at least challenged people (and I include those muppets who think a mask is to be worn as a chin bra without covering nose and mouth) we would probably get out of this much quicker.

His right to have a hair cut FFS...

 

[The Clamp]

Prior to lockdown, my barber had an argument with a customer on this topic. My barber has been very careful about ensuring space, air flow, cleaning, etc. The customer said he didn't have to wear a mask but had no lanyard or exemption certificate. My barber politely said that was fine but he wasn't going to allow him in the shop as the customer could be infected and spreading the virus so didn't want to risk the health of himself or his other customers.

Now, if the customer had a genuine reason for not wearing a mask, then you would expect that he would understand the stance taken by my barber. As it was, this bloke went off on one about his right to a haircut before storming off so you may question the validity of his argument.

If only others at least challenged people (and I include those muppets who think a mask is to be worn as a chin bra without covering nose and mouth) we would probably get out of this much quicker.

I’d love to own a shop. I’d relish turning these idiots away.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I watched an interview today with a senior transport police officer during which a suggestion was made that seems eminently sensible - if a police officer approaches someone not wearing a mask in an area where they are compulsory then, if proof of exemption cannot be produced, the police issue a fixed penalty notice. This can be cancelled on proof of exemption within 14 days.

Would make life simple for the police.

Would that they would fine Stanley Johnson who has been spotted on four separate occasions on trains without a mask.

 

[The Clamp]

Prior to lockdown, my barber had an argument with a customer on this topic. My barber has been very careful about ensuring space, air flow, cleaning, etc. The customer said he didn't have to wear a mask but had no lanyard or exemption certificate. My barber politely said that was fine but he wasn't going to allow him in the shop as the customer could be infected and spreading the virus so didn't want to risk the health of himself or his other customers.

Now, if the customer had a genuine reason for not wearing a mask, then you would expect that he would understand the stance taken by my barber. As it was, this bloke went off on one about his right to a haircut before storming off so you may question the validity of his argument.

If only others at least challenged people (and I include those muppets who think a mask is to be worn as a chin bra without covering nose and mouth) we would probably get out of this much quicker.

Missed a trick though. I’d have sat him down and given him THE. WORST. HAIRCUT I could possibly do.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I’d love to own a shop. I’d relish turning these idiots away.

My nephew worked as a security guard for various companies and during the first lockdown he was on duty just outside Lidl. Not many argued with him. Shops seemed to have abandoned security guards now, which is a shame.

 

[Uh_huh_him]

Prior to lockdown, my barber had an argument with a customer on this topic. My barber has been very careful about ensuring space, air flow, cleaning, etc. The customer said he didn't have to wear a mask but had no lanyard or exemption certificate. My barber politely said that was fine but he wasn't going to allow him in the shop as the customer could be infected and spreading the virus so didn't want to risk the health of himself or his other customers.

Now, if the customer had a genuine reason for not wearing a mask, then you would expect that he would understand the stance taken by my barber. As it was, this bloke went off on one about his right to a haircut before storming off so you may question the validity of his argument.

If only others at least challenged people (and I include those muppets who think a mask is to be worn as a chin bra without covering nose and mouth) we would probably get out of this much quicker.

Well all of this.

If you cannot wear a mask, then you cannot do the tasks where you run a risk of contaminating others.
That's how people need to think about it.
Exemption should not be seen as an enhanced right for particularly vulnerable people. It is just highlighting the people who require support from others.

 

[Wardy's twin]

I accept that there are some people who can't wear a mask but these should be in the small minority because if you can't wear a mask then you should keep your excursions to the absolute minimum for the sake of others and your own health.

I don't go out much as I am shielding , from what i have seen its not a small minority wo aren't wearing a mask.

People have cited mental health issues as a reason for not wearing a mask , I am certain their are people who have 'claustrophobic' type issues like but these are unlikely to be the majority based on my own personal experience, indeed my anxiety would have compelled me to wear a mask.

People talk of rights and freedoms. We have a society which evolved away from anarchy to one where people are expected to conform to what is deemed best for the common good. I have no right to fire a gun at a crowd of people , i have no right to go up and punch people or no right to take someone's car because I like. The powers that be based on most medical opinion have said that we should wear masks then we should wear masks. Those that don't and yes there are exceptions are stupid, selfish people .

If you don't feel my opinion is correct just speak to any nurse or doctor who has worked a COVID ward (and I have spoken to plenty)

 

[maffew]

So we should assume everyone not wearing one is doing because they are medically exempt?

One can assume whatever they wish
Challenging a stranger and expecting them to share their reason not wearing a mask which probably for the vast majority is due to private medical reasons is, IMO, well, not acceptable.i

 

[LamieRobertson]

Do they prevent contagion ?

Brilliant if they do and so much cheaper than some masks are!

I do love a bit of humour

 

[Pevenseagull]

 

[The Clamp]

My nephew worked as a security guard for various companies and during the first lockdown he was on duty just outside Lidl. Not many argued with him. Shops seemed to have abandoned security guards now, which is a shame.

Yep, need them back.

For the first time at work I have started locking my office door and only answering it to those wearing masks. And then only if I cannot deal with them over the phone. After almost a year of trying to get our residents to observe lockdown and Covid regs, for them to 100% of the time ignore them, I have had enough and will not engage with any of them unless it’s an emergency. Sick of the people I’m trying to safeguard putting my health at risk.

 

[The Grockle]

I understand your point and don't disagree but there will be a tiny number of people who have a genuine reason for exemption. What I'm suggesting is cut the bullshit, bring in an exemption pass that isn't open to fraud then clamp down on the growing minority of idiots who refuse to wear them.

 

[dsr-burnley]

I watched an interview today with a senior transport police officer during which a suggestion was made that seems eminently sensible - if a police officer approaches someone not wearing a mask in an area where they are compulsory then, if proof of exemption cannot be produced, the police issue a fixed penalty notice. This can be cancelled on proof of exemption within 14 days.

Would make life simple for the police.

But a lot harder for the doctors. If someone rings their doctor and says they have an anxiety issue or any other relevant condition, and can they have an exemption certificate, what's the doctor to do? Three options - grant it on the nod, which saves his time but makes the law worthless; turn it down flat, which risks denying the people who are entitled; or investigates and makes a considered decision, which takes time.

Doctors perhaps have enough to do.

 

[Hastings gull]

One can assume whatever they wish
Challenging a stranger and expecting them to share their reason not wearing a mask which probably for the vast majority is due to private medical reasons is, IMO, well, not acceptable.i

IF they brush past you in a small shop, then I think that is acceptable, as opposed to crossing the street to ask someone, where, by all accounts, the risk is much lower. Do you not think that your assertion that the vast majority would probably have a good excuse, is just tad naïve?

 

[daveinplzen]

Please think before you post.

I did

 

[lawros left foot]

It’s my theory that the main reason people don’t wear masks, is they have an extremely bad case of halitosis. Thankfully, due to social distancing, and the fact I wear a mask I never get close enough to smell their stinky breath.

 

[happypig]

I’m not demeaning mental health issues as well you know.
But separating just (I know) anxiety from the rest of mental illness is in my opinion valid on this one, sorry.
If you are in that area where you can’t put a mask on for fear of panic attacks then you’d surely need to be looking for friends or family to help surely.
I’m not unfamiliar with mental illness mr happypig

Why is anxiety, which can be life affecting and debilitating, less valid than depression or psychosis ?
My friend wants to wear a mask and frequently does but sometimes the anxiety gets the better of her.

 

[maffew]

IF they brush past you in a small shop, then I think that is acceptable, as opposed to crossing the street to ask someone, where, by all accounts, the risk is much lower. Do you not think that your assertion that the vast majority would probably have a good excuse, is just tad naïve?

I didnt make an assertion, but yes it may be naive to think that most people not wearing a mask have a valid reason.

I do think though that if someone says/or shows that they are exempt that is more than enough, the exemption reason really remains their business. I would try and avoid being in a small shop anyway, more-so if it had someone in it not wearing a mask

 

[Gabbafella]

A couple walked in to my girlfriend's shop a few weeks back without masks, she questioned them to see if they were exempt, their reply was "No, we just don't believe I'm Covid, it's all a conspiracy."
Nothing my Mrs could do as she has been she cannot under any circumstances ask someone to leave for not wearing a mask. Loads of teens use asthma as an excuse for not wearing them which is almost certainly bullshit most of the time, but what can you do about it?

 

[The Clamp]

A couple walked in to my girlfriend's shop a few weeks back without masks, she questioned them to see if they were exempt, their reply was "No, we just don't believe I'm Covid, it's all a conspiracy."
Nothing my Mrs could do as she has been she cannot under any circumstances ask someone to leave for not wearing a mask. Loads of teens use asthma as an excuse for not wearing them which is almost certainly bullshit most of the time, but what can you do about it?

She can. It's private property. She can ask anyone to leave at any time and is not obliged to give a reason. In this case they have stated they are not exempt and are refusing to wear a mask. They are breaking the law but that is irrelevant. I get why she didn't but she absolutely can insist they leave.