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Covid-19: Are there any exemptions from wearing a mask? Credits: Social Media
By Tom Costello

Covid-19: Are there any exemptions from wearing a mask?

By Tom Costello

What are the exemptions from wearing a mask? How effective are they when worn correctly? Protective face masks are one of the main tools in the fight against covid-19, but key information about them is still unclear to many. Here’s what you need to know.

According to The World Health Organisation, wearing a mask or face covering significantly reduces your chance of passing the novel coronavirus on to someone else. This essentially creates a ‘you protect me  I protect you’ pact between people wearing face masks out in public.

The latest face mask rules

At the moment, face masks are compulsory in shops (in England and Scotland), on public transport, in taxis and in a number of indoor spaces such as banks, places of worship, museums and libraries. Fines of up to �100 can be issued to anyone who doesn’t comply.

The general guidance is that you should wear a mask in closed spaces and whenever and wherever social distancing is not possible.

Photo by�pixpoetry�on�Unsplash

However, there are some exemptions from wearing a mask, such as in places where they would not be practical, like in pubs, restaurants and gyms. These are usually places where the virus spreads more easily, though, so you need to be extra careful about maintaining a safe distance.

Additionally, it looks like face masks are becoming compulsory in secondary schools across Scotland and any English towns and cities currently under local lockdown. Wales is expected to follow suit on this decision.

What about exemptions from wearing a mask?

These conflicting rules on mandatory mask use have raised eyebrows from the general public. Many people are now wondering why masks weren’t enforced earlier to help prevent needless casualties.

Others, however, are still not sure in which situations they’re necessary and what the exemptions from wearing a mask are, if any.

Image by United Nations COVID-19 Response on Unsplash

Here is a breakdown of all the scenarios in which face masks are not mandatory (though still encouraged).

Exemptions

  • Children under 3 years old
  • People who cannot put on, wear or remove their mask due to physical or mental illness or disability
  • When a mask causes the wearer severe distress
  • An emergency responder (such as a police officer or paramedic) performing their duties
  • Someone speaking to a person who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
  • Someone acting to avoid harm or injury (including if a mask may hinder your ability to exercise)
  • If you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place of worship
  • In order to take medication
  • In order to eat or drink
  • If you are getting married
  • If you are asked to remove your mask by a police officer
  • If you need to identify yourself
  • If needed for a service like a haircut