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Do I need a letter from my Doctor to say I don’t have to wear a mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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No, there is no need to get a letter from a doctor or the government to show that you do not need to wear a face covering. 

If you have a medical condition which means you cannot wear a face covering, for example, asthma, you only need to say, if asked, that you cannot wear a face covering because you are exempt.  

What is a reasonable excuse not to wear a mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
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Reasonable excuses include, if you;

  • Are under the age of 13
  • Are an employee working behind a partition, or if you are in an area not open to the public and can maintain 2 metre social distance from your colleagues
  • When seeking medical assistance or to provide care to someone who needs assistance, such as a vulnerable person or in an emergency
  • If you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
  • When travelling with or caring for someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • If you need to remove it to avoid harm or injury to yourself or others
  • When eating, drinking, or to take medication
  • When asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or someone who may need to check your identity, for example, when buying alcohol or at the bank.

If you do not wear a face covering and you are not exempt or do not have a reasonable excuse for not wearing one, you are committing an offence and could be fined.

Regulations on wearing face coverings.

Can an employee ask me to leave if I am not wearing a mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
No comments

An employee working in a publicly-accessible premises can tell you to wear a face covering, and can tell you to leave the premises if you refuse to wear one and do not have a reasonable excuse not to.

Examples of places you should wear a mask includes; cinemas, amusements, bowling alleys, concert halls, cafes and restaurants (unless seated). For more information click here.

When do I not have to wear a face mask?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
No comments

You don’t have to wear a face covering in a public indoor place:

  • If you are under the age of 13
  • If you are a member of staff working behind a partition, or if you are in an area not open to the public and can maintain a 2metre social distance from your colleagues
  • If you have a reasonable excuse not to

You do not have to wear a face covering on passenger transport or in a passenger transport station:

  • If you are still at primary school
  • If you are a member of staff and are behind a protective screen

Do I have to wear a mask on the school bus/transport?

13 December 2021
CLC Edit
No comments

Yes, if you are a post-primary student, it is mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport and school transport unless you have a reasonable excuse not to.

Face coverings on school transport

This includes on:

  • Education Authority buses
  • Translink dedicated school buses
  • Private coaches and taxis used to travel to school
  • Public trains, buses and ferries

You will only be exempt from wearing a mask if you have a reasonable excuse for not wearing one. For example, if you have a physical or mental impairment or disability or it causes you severe stress.

You can find out further information on reasonable excuses here.