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Experience of not wearing a face covering

Lotus

Hi, I would like to share experiences of not wearing a face covering in shops since they became 'mandatory ' with others who have also done this, or are considering it.

I was rather nervous about going into a shop because I thought that if I didn't wear a mask people might challenge me, and possibly not understand and be unsympathetic. I had looked at getting an exemption badge and lanyard for me & my partner but the ones I initially found seemed expensive. We get a weekly groceries delivery, so only need to go into a shop occasionally, but did miss being able to go in and get things if we wanted to.

Then I saw a comment on an online newspaper article which mentioned there were free downloadable and printable badges /cards on the Gov.UK website, which they have provided for people who feel more comfortable using them (even though they are not actually required) I printed two off and put them into 2 badge holders on lanyards, which I bought from Amazon for £4.99 (for a pack of 2)

So we went to our local Iceland store today - rather nervously - and it was ok. A girl stacking shelves (without a mask on) looked at us a bit strangely (we weren't sure what her expression meant - but then we're not good at reading faces of course) but nobody challenged us and after picking up the few items we needed we queued at a distance behind an elderly couple checking out - they were wearing masks but not paying any attention to us, and a young male store assistant was packing their shopping for them and chatting with no mask on. When it was our turn to be served, the friendly lady on the till greeted us and then asked where we got our badges from. I told her it was the government website and she said she needed to get some so would look on there.

Have you had good or bad experiences when not wearing a face covering? Do you wear a badge or not? If you do, perhaps you could also share where you got yours and how much it cost. I just thought it would be nice to be supportive to others who may be worried about this - hopefully if many start wearing them it will make people aware that it is ok for some people not to wear them and reduce negative reactions.

Parents

  • I got my sunflower lanyard free from Sainsburys and downloaded/printed the free badges. I have had no problem in Sainsburys locally but when away from home last week some one shouted " Granny killer" at me and was told to leave the shop. Sainsburys and now other shops as well as broadcasting adverts for face muzzles are also broadcasting reminders that not all disabilities are visible and that people are not to abuse someone not wearing a mask. Mostly it's been Ok but I am avoiding both shops and public transport and this makes me feel trapped and very depressed.

  • in reply to NAS68527

    Glad to hear some shops are reminding people of this, although it's sad that some people have to be told not to abuse people. I understand what you mean about feeling trapped - I've been able to go back to the office for some of my part-time working hours, which has helped. But I have always tried to blend in when out and about and not bring attention to myself and now it feels like I can't. I'm trying to see myself as a "Guerrilla Aspie" but in truth I'm more like a timid kitten :(

  • in reply to Lotus

    "Guerrilla Aspie" I like that, but I would say I'm a Ninja Aspie, no one even knows until I have a massive melt down, but then people assume I'm just abit stressed and weird.

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