Everyone who qualifies for a face mask exemption card as supermarkets ban maskless shoppers

You can now get a government medical exemption card from wearing a face mask, if you qualify.

Supermarkets are cracking down on those not following the face mask rules, and only allowing people without masks into stores if they have a medical exemption card.

Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have all said they will be strictly enforcing face mask rules from now on.

Face coverings must be worn on public transport, in shops, supermarkets, banks, post offices, places of worship, museums, galleries, entertainment venues and libraries in England. 

Those who refuse to wear one can be fined £200 in England and £60 in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales by the police.

The guidance states that you do not have to wear a face mask if you have ‘a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability’, and that you would experience ‘severe distress’ from wearing one. 

The list of people who are exempt from wearing a mask includes:

• Children (under 11 in England or Wales, under 13 in Northern Ireland, under five in Scotland)
• If you’re travelling with someone who requires lip-reading, or assisting someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
• Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability
• People for whom wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
• To eat, drink or take medication

You can now apply for a face mask exemption card if you are worried about being stopped. 

The government has said that those who cannot wear a mask will not have to provide written evidence as to why, and supermarkets and shops have been urged to be mindful to particular circumstances.

However, all the major supermarkets have now confirmed that they will refuse entry to those refusing to wear a mask without medical exemption.

You can also opt for the charity Hidden Disabilities’ face mask exemption card which indicates that you have a hidden disability, illness or impairment. These will cost you 55p and do come with a warning that shops and public transport can still refuse entry if you are not wearing a face mask. Find our more here.