Concern over abuse of mask exemptions

AN infectious disease expert from Nottingham has raised issues with the exemption categories for wearing face masks.

Shoppers will have to wear face coverings from July 24, or risk a £100 fine - reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days. However, there are exemptions which include people with health conditions, disabilities or due to age.

Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: “The evidence is accumulating that masks have a part to play in reducing transmission and also in protecting the wearer. Issues may arise on exemptions as people can claim to meet one of the exemption categories without obvious evidence. Exemptions like for anxiety can easily be used as an excuse given the apparent reluctance from too many people.”