IF I CAN WEAR A MASK, YOU CAN CARRY A CARD
Terry says that under the Disability Act, supermarket staff had no right to demand to know what medical condition he has that meant he was exempt from wearing a face mask (MetroTalk, Wed).
He is, of course, totally correct. People who are medically exempt from wearing face coverings should not have to explain their medical condition to anyone. Quite rightly so. Nor are they required by law to provide or display any form of proof to all and sundry who might otherwise ask.
But is it really asking too much for them to wear a simple ‘hidden disabilities’ sunflower lanyard or wristband as a common courtesy to those who serve them daily in customer-facing roles in retail and on public transport?
Many of these people have been working throughout the pandemic and may have concerns for their own health, and indeed that of similarly at-risk family members at home.
Ian Edwards, Portchester
By not displaying an exemption by lanyard or other means, people are effectively the same as those without a medical condition not wearing one.
How hard is it to wear a lanyard? If you don’t, you have to accept being questioned so that society can catch and fine all the rule breakers with no medical condition.
And please try to be more understanding – shop workers literally risk their lives every day, mostly due to the non-wearing of masks by people with no medical condition.
I have had Covid and nearly died, I might add, so trust me, you don’t want to catch it.
I am actually happy to hear that Terry was stopped and questioned, as it proves shop workers are also trying to catch those breaking the rules.
Geoff Hall, Croydon
Transport and shop staff are just trying to keep everyone safe and it’s not our fault that there are fully fit people out here claiming to be exempt.
Would it hurt to carry this proof so we can weed out the fraudsters who can’t be bothered to keep us all safe? Kay, South Yorkshire
People just need to do the right thing. These shop staff (who don’t get paid nearly enough) were doing their job and trying to protect us all. If you’re exempt, fine, no one wants to know why, but so many people use it as an excuse.
Liz, Buckinghamshire
These days we are all having to do things differently. Working for the NHS, I’m in a mask all day. Is it really too much for you to show an exemption card when shopping?
Paul, Tooting
I applaud security staff who stop anyone not wearing a mask or exemption badge. This should have been made mandatory ten months ago to reduce the spread of Covid.
Paul, Uxbridge
Oh, Terry. After all these months do you still not see that it’s not all about you? If you are vulnerable perhaps someone else can do your shopping for you. If that is not practical why not just help supermarket workers putting their health on the line for you and do as you are asked? It really is not that much of an imposition to follow the guidance. It has certainly taken more effort to complain and write to your favourite newspaper than just doing the right thing.
Tom Gordon, Paddock Wood
Although Terry is right, I can’t help but wonder why he would want to put himself through the inevitable questioning from staff about why he’s not wearing a mask.
Spare a thought for the shop staff before you berate them – public opinion wants them to ask. What’s wrong with wearing a lanyard with your exemption? These are tough times so don’t make life more difficult.
Rob, Telford