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Extending mandatory mask wearing beyond public transport use has been an unexpected bonus for people who are unable to wear masks due to disability.
John Rauner of Silverdale has been almost completely blind since birth. He wore a mask in previous lockdowns, although they pushed his powerful glasses out of place, compromising the little sight he has.
“It was early days for mask wearing and I was not aware I could apply for an exemption – a common problem for disabled people,” John says. “So I wore one and it was outright dangerous with the disorientation it caused me.”
The exemptions on the Ministry of Health’s website have been in place since the mandate for face coverings came in for flights and public transport a year ago.
They include those who have a physical or mental health condition that makes a face covering unsuitable.
During this year’s Level 3 lockdown, John applied for the exemption and has not used a mask since. But lack of awareness meant he still had hassles. On a couple of occasions – one in a local supermarket and one on public transport –it ended in confrontation and the Police were called.
However, John says this Level 4 lockdown is different due to the Government order, made on August 18, which includes the changes to mask wearing requirements, and the exemptions.
“That order gives anyone who fits the criteria the right not to wear a mask, without having to apply for an exemption individually,” John says. “My Blind Foundation ID would be enough, say at a supermarket, to show I meet the criteria.”
As a result, he says businesses he has visited now seem to have clarity on the rules, and the exceptions.
Yesterday he had no trouble getting into a local supermarket. “I showed my exemption card and was let in without question. It was a big relief.”
“I’m going to give public transport a try next week – let’s hope they are also now fully informed.”
People in John’s situation can get “judgey looks” from the public and John hopes wider awareness of mask-wearing exemptions help with that too.
Level 4 face-covering exemptions include:
• Children under the age of 12.
• People with a disability or physical or mental health condition that makes covering their face unsuitable.
• Special circumstances such as in an emergency, or to communicate with someone who is deaf, or hard of hearing.
