Mask issue splits opinion
READERS SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON CHARITY SHOP ASKING NON-MASK WEARER TO LEAVE
HUNDREDS of people have made their views known after a man exempt from wearing a face mask was asked to leave a Burton charity shop.
Dave Yeomans was left disgusted after he went into the RSPCA Hillfield Animal Home, in High Street, last week to do a spot of shopping but was immediately asked to leave for not wearing a mask.
The 59-year-old is exempt from having to wear one due to having asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes breathing difficulties. He wears a ‘hidden disabilities’ lanyard to make shops aware that he cannot wear a mask.
However, a spokesman for the charity shop said that everyone has to wear a face covering, including all of the staff, in a bid to protect the welfare of its workers in order to keep them safe.
Now hundreds of people have taken to Burton Burton Mail Facebook page to have their say on the situation, with opinion split on what happened to Mr Yeomans and whether they felt the shop was right to take the stance it did.
Danny Baker said: “COPD is no joke, the government has issued exemptions for people that can’t wear a mask. He was wearing his exemption lanyard. We all have to adapt to these new rules.”
Natasha Lewis said: “The lanyards are amazing for people with disabilities and asthma. Shops know what they are about.”
Maggie Howle said: “I have COPD and wear a mask, I also have a lanyard but to be honest this virus can kill us, people with underlying conditions, so he really would be better wearing a mask.”
Deb Saw added: “There are so many sides to this. Firstly, picking up a lanyard is proof of nothing - I have one but still wear a mask
“Shopkeepers have a right to refuse service. If he is not wearing a mask he is jeopardising the health of everybody he comes into contact with.”
Donna Hines said: “My mum and I both have a lanyard for hidden disabilities and are also exempt from wearing mask due to disability (my mum in particular has severe asthma/copd).
“However we both prefer to wear a mask despite it being uncomfortable at times, as it is both protecting ourselves and others.
“It took buying quite a few different types of masks to find one that made wearing one a little more comfortable.”
“To be honest if I had any form of illness or disability that meant I was vulnerable to Covid I’d be wearing a mask everywhere. If I couldn’t breath, I mean really couldn’t breath, with a mask on I don’t think I’d be going to the shops,” said Roger Cookson.
Kirsty Williams said: “I am really sorry but I blame the government for this.
“There are no clear guidelines about face masks, they say there are people out there who have illnesses and do not have to wear one but the government have not put anything in place to help these people in situations like this.
“Would it really take that long for a patient’s doctor to send out a little card to all patients that are exempt due to medical reasons as proof.
“Unfortunately I’ve witnessed many people abusing the ‘I have a medical condition’ just to not wear a mask
“I’ve never known so many people in Burton have asthma during this pandemic.
“Which is why the genuine people out there are having to face what this man has had to deal with.
“Where is the protection of our most vulnerable people? Our genuine vulnerable people not the ones who just lie so they don’t have to wear one.
“Our legislations are passed off by our government but they don’t protect the people who rely on them to not be discriminated against. But that’s just my opinion.”