Face mask exempt card template image

As face coverings are now mandatory in a variety of settings across England, including mobility shops, the UK Government has published some new face mask exemption cards for disabled people to use for free.

From the 24th of July, it became compulsory for people in England to wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets, which applies to mobility stores up and down the country.

As well as shops and supermarkets, face masks are also legally required to be worn on public transport and in banks, building societies and post offices. People are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until they leave.

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However, some people are not expected or required to wear face coverings in these settings due to health, age or equality reasons. This includes children under the age of 11 and people with physical or mental disabilities.

To help disabled people feel more comfortable when out and about, and to reduce the chances of them being challenged or judged for not wearing a face covering, the UK Government has now published some face mask exemption card templates.

These exemption cards are designed for disabled people to clearly communicate to others that they do not have to wear a face covering. The UK Government stresses that this is a personal choice and not a mandatory requirement for disabled people to use exemption cards.

There is one template for use on mobile phones and the other two can be printed at home. They include important and clear messaging such as “I am exempt from wearing a face covering” and “Be kind. Keep your distance. Thank you for understanding.”

Similarly, disabled access review site Euan’s Guide has produced its own free ‘face mask exempt badges’ which are available to order online for those who are unable to wear a mask.

Due to the unprecedented demand for these badges, the charity has also published its own face mask exemption badge templates for disabled people who do not want to wait for a badge to arrive. The DIY badges could either be stuck on to existing badges or attached to a piece of card and a safety pin and worn as a badge, Euan’s Guide notes.

In addition, Digital lifestyle magazine and online retailer Disability Horizons also has a range of face mask exception cards available for those with health conditions or disabilities preventing them from wearing masks. The badges come on either a lanyard or badge clip and are designed to stop people being wrongly confronted or fined following the change to face mask rules in shops.

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