The Government currently advises the use of face masks or coverings in certain environments or situations e.g. on public transport or when visiting healthcare settings – keep up to date on current guidance.
Please see the following link for further official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/
There is no requirement for evidence of exemption and individuals can self-declare their status. There is no requirement for any proof from your General Practitioner. Therefore please do not ask for letters from your GP.
There is evidence and consensus agreement that masks or face coverings help to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID19), therefore there is a risk from not wearing one in which you are in closer proximity to others. If you feel anxious wearing a mask, try another form of face covering such as a piece of fabric or a scarf as all of these help to reduce droplet spread of the virus and is proven to help.
Some people are exempt from wearing a face mask:
young children under the age of 11 years
not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
to eat or drink, but only if you need to
to take medication
if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering
Resources are available in the links below for personal exemption cards:
https://www.civicmc.nhs.uk/files/2020/06/Face-Covering-Exemption-Cards.pdf - for people with learning difficulties or autism
https://www.buses.co.uk/face-covering-guidance - see the link on Helping Hand cards
https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/help-and-contact/get-in-touch/coronavirus-travel-advice - see the link on ‘Who is exempt from wearing a face covering on public transport?’
https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/face-coverings
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