Patients have to self-declare they are exempt from wearing face masks during the pCOVID-19 Pandemic.
GP’s/Tamar Valley Health Do Not Provide Letters
Patients can download an exemption card from this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
You can also download the cards below:
- Exemption_from_face_covering_badge_for_mobile_phone
- Exemption_from_face_covering_badge_to_print
- Exemption_from_face_covering_card_to_print
It is not a legal requirement to carry one of these cards nor will Tamar Valley Health print one for you.
Guidance on who is exempt from wearing a face mask can be found on www.gov.uk/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:
- 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
There are also scenarios when you are 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