Fighting For Autism Europe is a registered Charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Charity number 1189562
Covid-19 masks
Covid-19 Face coverings in public places & exemptions (UK)
Covid-19 Face coverings in public places & exemptions (UK)
The UK Government announced that, in the continuing fight against the coronavirus covid-19, from July 24th 2020, everyone who is not exempt, would have to wear a face covering when in public areas such as:
• Inside shops & supermarkets
• Indoor shopping centres
• Public transport like buses, trains & planes
The information can be found here on the government website, where it also lists the exceptions to wearing a mask or face covering. (the relevant excerpt is copied below)
"the exemptions include anyone under the age of 11, or those with disabilities, or hidden health conditions such as breathing difficulties, mental health conditions or autism"
If you are included in one of the following categories then this exemption applies to you and the government has stated that you do not have to wear a face covering:
• If you are under the age of 11 years old.
• If you can’t put on, wear, or take off a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability.
• If wearing a face covering would cause you severe distress.
• If you are assisting someone who relies on lip reading to communicate with you.
• If not wearing one helps to avoid harm or injury to you or others.
When entering shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres or using public transport like buses, trains or planes, someone may ask you about the fact that you are not wearing a face covering. To avoid lengthy discussions and any chance of miscommunication, please print out our information leaflet to give to them and fill out our exemption card to keep with you or wear on a lanyard for easy identification.
Many shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and transport hubs, now recognise the sunflower Hidden disabilities lanyard
which can be purchased online for a small fee and some shopping centres even stock them in their information centres where you can quickly register and collect. This lanyard, in conjunction with your Fighting For Autism exemption card should make a winning combination and hopefully be one less thing to worry about when out and about.
Fighting For Autism exemption card
Click the images to download the exemption card and the fact sheet.
Give the fact sheet to anyone who asks for information on why you don't have a face covering.
Fact sheet
Click to download the face covering fact sheet. Print out and hand to anyone who asks for information about why you aren't wearing one.
Exemption card
Click to download the exemption card. Print it out, fill in your name and emergency contact number and keep it with you out in public.
Exemption card
A pastel version of the exemption card sheet. Click to open, print out, fill in your name and emergency contact number and keep it with you out in public.
