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Doctor’s note not required for facemark exemption

Please be aware that there is no requirement for anyone to be given a exemption letter, or medical certificate, for the purpose of not wearing a face covering, as it is sufficient for one to self‐declare the reason.

If you are able to wear a mask, which is most people, then of course you are encouraged to do so, but for those who have medical reasons not to, we have had quite a few requests about this, so we are grateful for clarification from the Local Medical Committe, as follows: Government guidance on exemptions, as stated on the http://Gov.uk/ website confirms that one does not need to wear a face covering if one has a legitimate reason not to. It states the reasons as including:

• young children under the age of 11

• 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, but only if you need to

• to take medication

• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

It also confirms that there are also scenarios when one is permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

• If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification

• If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication.

There is no requirement for anyone to be given a exemption letter, or medical certificate, for the purpose of not wearing a face covering, as it is sufficient for one to self‐declare the reason. Liverpool Local Medical Committee, as the representative body of GPs in Liverpool, confirms that GPs are not in a position to provide individual risk assessments, or letters to patients, who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face covering.