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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

  • My 2nd experience yesterday - went to local M&S to return an item bought online. All customers (except 2 children) wearing masks, but nobody took any notice of us. Guy at the collection/returns counter was friendly and helpful. Lady on the door too enthralled with a puppy she was holding for someone while they shopped to even notice us.

    I think most people dislike wearing masks and so just focus on getting their shopping so they can get out and take it off. Staff in shops have hopefully all been given information about mask exemption, and just seem happy to see customers. After all, if we all avoid shops they won't have a job, and I think it's important we support them when we can.

  • in reply to Desmond79

    I'm over 6' and quite big so Ken or Karen would have to be brave to start on me - but I'd just video them for youtube and ask them why they are so disgusted by disabled people?    Do they feel the same way about people in wheelchairs or blind people?    Should they be kicked out of a shop too?    Cringe them to death   Smiley

  • in reply to Plastic

    Plastic, that's a good response. However, my worry is that they would reply that people in wheelchairs or the blind can still wear masks. Some people have no idea how awful it is for some to have their face covered - they have no concept of what anxiety or sensory issues are like.

    I have decided that if anyone tries to challenge me I will just state I'm exempt and show them my badge - if that's not enough to shut them up I'll state that I'm not required to explain myself further and advise them to look on the Gov.UK website. No point in me trying to debate with them as I'm useless at thinking of things to say in reply to people in that sort of situation.

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