PEOPLE unable to wear a face mask in public should not be routinely asked to give written evidence to prove their exemption, the government says.

You do not need to seek advice or a written letter from a medical professional regarding your reason for not wearing a face covering, according to the official guidance listed on the government's website.

The Gazette reported on Tuesday how Michael Penfold, an 80-year-old who suffers from COPD, was shopping in Tesco earlier this week when he was challenged by a fellow customer as to why he was not covering his face.

And Michael was also refused entry to a fish and chip shop in Paignton, Devon last week because he was not wearing a face mask.

Michael says that wearing a face covering, which are required in law in many public places, means he "can't breathe".

Following a social media debate that has raged since the Gazette published Michael's story, we are now publishing the official advice on face coverings and people who do not need to wear one.

Where do I need to wear a face covering?

The government say that in England, you must wear a face covering by law in a range of places.

Just some of these include on public transport, taxis, transport hubs, shops and supermarkets, bars and restaurants, theatres and entertainment venues.

The guidance continues: "You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet."

What are the repercussions if I don't?

Wearing a face covering in certain places became law following a recent rise in the number of new coronavirus infections.

The police are able to take action if people do not comply with the law without a valid exemption. Additionally, transport operators can deny access to their services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering.

The police have the power to issue fines of £200 for the first offence of non-compliance.

What are the exemptions from wearing a face covering?

The full list of exemptions from wearing a face covering, as stated on the government website, includes but is not limited to:

  • children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
  • 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

Additionally, if you are asked to remove your face covering in a bank, or in a shop or supermarket by an employee identifying you for age-restricted products, you must do so.

You are able to take your face covering off to take medication, or if you are delivering a sermon or a prayer in a place of worship.

Faith schools, getting married, elite sports and being seated in a bar or restaurant are also valid reasons to not wear a face covering in a public place.

Do I need prove that I am unable to wear a face covering?

No. The government website states: "Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards.

"No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

"Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

"This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law."

There are options for ways to show that you do not need to wear a face covering.

As well as an exemption card template on the government website, some places, including Festival Place, recognise sunflower lanyards which show that the wearer has a hidden disability or illness.

They were used before the pandemic to show that the person may need extra assistance, but have now taken on a new meaning.

You can find the lanyards on the Hidden Disabilities website.

How do you wear a face covering properly?

To have the desired effect, your face covering should cover your mouth AND your nose, and should not be moved down to touch your neck. This is because droplets that may land on your exposed neck can transfer onto the inside of your face mask if moved down, and then when you put it back on, will come into contact with your mouth and nose.

A face covering should:

  • cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
  • fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
  • be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
  • be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
  • ideally include at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organization recommends three depending on the fabric used)
  • unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged

You can find out more information at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own.