Disabilities and impairments are not always visible to others, and so many people you see refraining from wearing face coverings have a good reason for doing so.
Face coverings have become a part of life in the past couple of years in the wake of the Covid pandemic – but while rules around wearing them in certain settings were lifted in July, they are once again becoming mandatory in shops and on public transport across England amid concerns over the new Omicron variant.
At times when masks have been compulsory, those with disabilities have chosen to carry a card or wear a lanyard so as to dispel any confusion from others.
Those who fail to wear a face covering where required could face fines of £200, unless they have an exemption, and are able to prove it.
So how do you get an exemption card, and are they legally required?
Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?
Across the UK, you are exempt from wearing a face covering where it is mandatory if you cannot put on, wear or remove one because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.
You also do not have to wear a mask if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip-reading to communicate.
Children under the age of 11 in England and Wales, under the age of 13 in Northern Ireland, and under the age of five in Scotland are also exempt.
The Government has advised that children below the age of three should not wear face coverings.
How to get a face covering exemption card, badge, or lanyard
People in England can download the below cards and badges to print or show on a mobile phone:
- Exempt from wearing a face covering card – to show on mobile phone
- Exempt from wearing a face covering card – to print
- Exempt from wearing a face covering badge – to print
Welsh citizens can use the below link to access a printable exemption card:
The Scottish Government has set up an online request form on the gov.scot website for those exempt or unable to wear a face covering.
Alternatively, those with disabilities can choose to use the Hidden Disabilities’ Sunflower Lanyard Scheme or a face covering exemption card, which can be bought for 55p on their website.
Big shops such as Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tesco, and Morrisons also sell the cards and lanyards in store.
All passenger train companies and a lot of big shops recognise the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
Are face-covering exemption cards, badges, or lanyards legally required?
Face covering exemption cards are a personal choice, and are not required by law.
Many people choose to carry the cards or wear the lanyards as it can lead to less confusion and confrontation from others.
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