News Every Day | 07 August 2020, 14:19

This is why shoppers have started wearing sunflower badges

Shoppers wear sunflower badges to so signal face mask exemption

Face masks are now mandatory in all supermarkets and shops in England – with that rule about to be extended to include places of worship and museums.

But there are certain members of the public who are unable to wear masks for a variety of reasons.

Those not able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability, are exempted from the mandatory measure.

In many cases, the medical conditions that mean people are unable to wear face masks are invisible – leaving sufferers vulnerable to hostility.

Charity Hidden Disabilities has now created a sunflower badge so that those unable to wear masks can let others know that they are exempt from the rules without having to come into close contact.

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Under government guidelines, people suffering from respiratory and other disabilities have a ‘reasonable excuse’ to not wear face coverings on public transport and in shops.

You don’t have to prove your exemption, but there are also government-issued badges that people can either print out or show on their phones.

Transport for London has also made an exemption card, which can be used on TfL services and with other transport organisations.

With most shops now open but with retail sales suffering due to the Coronavirus pandemic, shoppers wearing face masks at Sainsbury's supermarket, which became compulsory in shops on the 24th July, in the city centre on 31st July 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Coronavirus or Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans. While much or Europe has been placed into lockdown, the UK government has put in place more stringent rules as part of their long term strategy, and in particular social distancing. (photo by Mike Kemp/In PIctures via Getty Images) — Shopper leaving Sainsbury’s in face mask(Credits: In Pictures via Getty Images)

As well as the badges, Hidden Disabilities are selling plastic exemption cards for 55p which are free to pick up from Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores, as well as some other supermarkets.

According to the Hidden Disabilities website, the sunflower image was chosen because it suggests happiness, positivity and confidence.

The sunflower, the charity states, ‘is a universally known flower as well as being gender-neutral. It intends to allow everyone with hidden disabilities to choose to be visible when they need to be’.

People thinking of buying a card have been warned that businesses who are aware of the scheme can provide support and assistance to those wearing badges, but that ‘shops and public transport can still refuse you entry if you are not wearing a face covering’.

Who is exempt from wearing masks in shops and on public transport?

You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to):

young children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
to eat or drink if reasonably necessary
in order to take medication
if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

Source: gov.uk

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