Can I be made to wear a mask
Options
deb74
Community member Posts: 814 Pioneering
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?
Comments
-
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.
-
Thanks @Silver925. I will talk to her.
-
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
-
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 -
Hi @Chloe_Scope. Thanks.
-
Thanks @janer1967.
-
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!
-
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!
-
@deb74 you don't have to wear a mask anywhere in the UK, you are exempt, please see my post above. Dave
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 13.1K Start here and say hello!
- 6.7K Coffee lounge
- 72 Games lounge
- 386 Cost of living
- 4.3K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 199 Community updates
- 9.3K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 769 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 589 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 363 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 738 Transport and travel
- 31.7K Talk about money
- 4.4K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.2K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 5K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.2K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 870 Chronic pain and pain management
- 180 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 317 Sensory impairments
- 819 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions