Can I be made to wear a mask — Scope | Disability forum
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

Can I be made to wear a mask

Options
deb74
deb74 Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
in Coffee lounge
I volunteer in a local shop and have been off work since the lockdown. The shop manager emailed me a couple of days ago about the shop opening up again and she mentioned masks. I have heart valve disease and have read that wearing masks can affect your breathing. Can the manager make me to wear? 
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Silver925
    Silver925 Community member Posts: 106 Courageous
    Options
    Hi if you have breathing difficulties, disabled or children under I think it's 5 are exempt on public transport. I carnt see why it would be any different if it would be in a shop. Try taking to your employer about your concerns.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deb74
    deb74 Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
    Options
    Thanks @Silver925. I will talk to her.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,964 Disability Gamechanger
    Options
    Hi @deb74 As advised above those with breathing difficulties are exempt on public transport. If you don't have any luck with your employer then I suggest you speak to your GP about your concerns for their advice and they could write a note to your employer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Options
    Hi @deb74, I hope talking with your employer will help. Please do let us know if there is anything we can do to help. :)
    Scope

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deb74
    deb74 Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
    Options
    Hi @Chloe_Scope. Thanks.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deb74
    deb74 Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
    Options
    Thanks @janer1967.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • oldblokeinavan
    oldblokeinavan Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    Options
    Re: Masks, 
    Let's have some facts...... The government gave guidance, not law, simple.

    I took a train journey last week for the first time since lockdown, I have both visible and non-visible disabilities..... I am 'exempt' according to the government guidance.......I too have a prosthetic aortic heart valve, with heart failure, along with other stuff going on  !!

    I was challenged by a policeman on the train asking where my mask was....
    I explained i am exempt, he asked why?
    I replied, this is private matter (because of the Equalities Act 2010)
    He asked for documentation to prove exemption, I explained, not required, (due to the Act).

    If I had been a more 'meek person, I would have been seriously intimidated by the police's conduct, - he backed off once I explained.  He did ask why I was being awkward, I explained that I wasn't, I just knew the applicable law, not guidance.  He went away with his tail between his legs !!!

    The upshot is this...... You do not have to prove or explain ANYTHING TO ANYONE, if you are dxempt, you are exempt, tell the police or the shop, or the person on the street, exactly where to get off, politely of course!
    Bon Courage!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deb74
    deb74 Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
    Options
    I explained to my boss about not being able to wear a mask and she told me it was up to me whether I wore a mask or not. I live in Wales and they are not mandatory here but there are in England. I went to England last week and did wear a mask in the shop I went into but I found it hard work!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • oldblokeinavan
    oldblokeinavan Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    Options
    @deb74 you don't have to wear a mask anywhere in the UK, you are exempt, please see my post above.  Dave
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Brightness

Categories