As UK supermarket chains announce they will refuse entry to shoppers who refuse to wear face coverings many questions are being asked raised about what exactly constitutes an exemption?
Under current regulations, in force since July, face coverings must be worn in England in all supermarkets as well as shops, public transport, estate agents, post offices and banks.
In England, the police can issue a £200 fine to someone breaking the face-covering rules.
Yesterday, Sainsbury’s followed Morrisons in announcing that customers would not be allowed in their stores without a face covering, unless they are medically exempt. A move that was echoed by Tesco, Asda and Waitrose.
Police Minister Kit Malthouse, talking to ITV News, said supermarkets “should be making sure that the customers who are coming in are observing social distancing and are wearing masks” and followed up that police will “think about moving to enforcement much more quickly.”
Exemptions
There are number of reasons that allow people to be exempt from wearing a face covering relating to age, health or disability.
The exemptions for wearing masks in supermarkets and other public spaces are:
- Children under the age of 11
- People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
- If you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip-reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others – including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
- Police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
These people can carry a card, badge or even a home-made sign to show anyone who asks them why they are exempt.
But the government makes it clear that carrying an exemption card is a personal choice and is not required by law.
