Face covering exemption badges: what are your options if you can't wear a mask? - Which? News (2024)

21 Aug 2020

Across the UK, face coverings are mandatory in certain indoor settings such as shops, on public transport and in hospitals. But there are exceptions allowed for a range of reasons, including certain health conditions or categories of worker.

There's no requirement to prove that you are exempt (although guidelines state you must have a valid reason). However, some people have experienced issues when they're in settings such as these and aren't wearing a mask, and have been challenged by other members of the public.

Hopefully, this won't be a problem, as we have all been made aware that some people are exempt, and to keep this in mind and treat others with kindness.

But, if you're concerned, there are now a number of badges and exemption cards available that you can wear if you want to signpost to others why you aren't wearing a mask.

• Where and when do you need to wear a face covering?
• Coronavirus: how to protect yourself and others

There are plenty of other badges and cards available to download or buy, often created by charities representing groups with health issues that may mean they are exempt, or by transport networks.

Here are some of the other options and how much they cost (if anything):

Lots of other bus and train companies such as Arriva, First Bus and Stagecoach also offer their own versions of a downloadable graphic.

• British Lung Foundation Also offers a free downloadable exemption because of breathing problems.

• Disability Equality Scotland Has downloadable cards where you can choose to say whether your exemption is based on a health condition or a disability.

• Disability HorizonsSell a durable face covering exemption card made of acrylic which costs £3.95 with a badge clip or £4.95 with a lanyard (that has 'mask exempt' printed on it in large letters.

You can also purchase a card and lanyard (£4.95) to alert people to keep their distance from the wearer because their health condition could make them higher risk if they catch COVID-19.

• Hidden Disabilities Sell a face covering exemption card for 55p, plus postage.

If you want the sunflower lanyard and clear wallet so you can wear the card round your neck, it's an extra £1.05.

You can also buy badges with a discreet sunflower for 60p which will alert those trained to recognise the logo that the wearer may need extra help.

Who is exempt from face covering rules?

You are exempt from wearing a mask if you are:

• Under the age of 11 in England or Wales (under the age of five in Scotland and under the age of 13 in Northern Ireland)
• Someone who can't put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• an employee in an indoor setting
• A police officer or other emergency worker
• If you're speaking to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• Risking harm or injury to yourself or others by doing so.

There are also scenarios where you can remove your mask temporarily such as if you're asked to do so in a bank or the Post Office for identification.

A full list of scenarios and exemptions can be found on the UK government guide to face coverings.

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