COVID-19 FACEMASKS

One of the exemptions is for children under 11.  They do not need any other reason to not wear a mask.

Exemption is self certified.  You can download a card from; many sites including some local authorities and many transport operators.  A card should not be necessary, but it may help although there appears to be many think they cause abuse of the system and no doubt self-righteous busybodies will still complain.  The government have said that a GP note is not needed for proof, and if you go to your GP for a note to say you are medically excused wearing a mask your GP may make a charge.

You may still be refused admission to a shop even if you are exempt and carry a card.  Whether this comes under the equality act would need testing and would probably cost a great deal of money.

Cards issued are only 'official' for the organisation supplying them.  They have no legal status, any more than you making your own card.  Transport operators though have indicated they will recognise cards from other operators.

A shop has no power of arrest for a customer not wearing a mask or removing one.  They could ask you to leave and if you refuse they could call the police.  This is unlikely to happen unless you have been involved in theft or causing a riot or similar behaviour.  The police are unlikely to respond rapidly, having other things to do.  You would therefore be able to leave before any action could be taken against you.  Even if a policeman was immediately available, an explanation that you are exempt to the officer because of it causing a severe panic attack or reasons with physical health should be the end of the matter.  Only if the police were convinced you were not exempt and you were causing a problem would the police take action which would be the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.  If issued, you could challenge it in a court of law, but the cost would likely be prohibititive even if you won.  By paying the fixed penalty you would be admitting your guilt.  (But it must be said the chances of being issued a fixed penalty ticket are remote for anyone, let alone someone genuinely exempt).  The enforcement of the law is basically down to 'shaming' those who don't comply, whether exempt or not.  And there are plenty of self-righteous busybodies who are willing to shame others into wearng a mask.

The whole thinking of this law is very woolly.

One of the exemptions is for children under 11.  They do not need any other reason to not wear a mask.

Exemption is self certified.  You can download a card from; many sites including some local authorities and many transport operators.  A card should not be necessary, but it may help although there appears to be many think they cause abuse of the system and no doubt self-righteous busybodies will still complain.  The government have said that a GP note is not needed for proof, and if you go to your GP for a note to say you are medically excused wearing a mask your GP may make a charge.

You may still be refused admission to a shop even if you are exempt and carry a card.  Whether this comes under the equality act would need testing and would probably cost a great deal of money.

Cards issued are only 'official' for the organisation supplying them.  They have no legal status, any more than you making your own card.  Transport operators though have indicated they will recognise cards from other operators.

A shop has no power of arrest for a customer not wearing a mask or removing one.  They could ask you to leave and if you refuse they could call the police.  This is unlikely to happen unless you have been involved in theft or causing a riot or similar behaviour.  The police are unlikely to respond rapidly, having other things to do.  You would therefore be able to leave before any action could be taken against you.  Even if a policeman was immediately available, an explanation that you are exempt to the officer because of it causing a severe panic attack or reasons with physical health should be the end of the matter.  Only if the police were convinced you were not exempt and you were causing a problem would the police take action which would be the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.  If issued, you could challenge it in a court of law, but the cost would likely be prohibititive even if you won.  By paying the fixed penalty you would be admitting your guilt.  (But it must be said the chances of being issued a fixed penalty ticket are remote for anyone, let alone someone genuinely exempt).  The enforcement of the law is basically down to 'shaming' those who don't comply, whether exempt or not.  And there are plenty of self-righteous busybodies who are willing to shame others into wearng a mask.

The whole thinking of this law is very woolly.