Confusion over medical exemptions in Kent’s supermarkets: why shoppers are angry

Big supermarket chains are cracking down on non-mask wearers in their shops to help prevent the spread of coronavirus

As England entered its third national lockdown, many stores have said that they will refuse entry to those not wearing a face-covering unless they are medically exempt, but shoppers have been met with different treatment across different supermarkets.

This comes as footage emerged earlier this month showing Kent Police officers asking a lady to prove her medical exemption in a Sainsbury's in Dartford.

When she refused and stated that it was against the law to ask her to do so, the officers escorted her off the premises.

Despite this, Mr Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury's, states on their website: "We are following government guidance and encourage you to please do the same by wearing a mask when you are in our stores. However, we completely understand if you are medically exempt from wearing a mask."

Face-coverings have been mandatory for in-store shoppers since the 24th of July 2020.

While enforcement powers for refusing to wear a face-covering in mandatory areas without a "valid exemption" lie with the police, supermarkets can choose to deny a shopper entry if they refuse to wear a face-covering or provide a medical exemption as to why they do not need to wear one.

However, some consumers are confused about whether shops require them to show proof of their exemption.

According to Full Fact, the Police Federation has stated that shoppers are responsible for proving that they are exempt from wearing a mask or covering.

If they do not provide a valid exemption, officers can ask them to leave the premises or issue a fine.

Although several shoppers may carry exemption cards or badges, the government website states that doing so is a personal choice and that it is "not required by law" to show or provide "written evidence".

But medically exempt customers following these government guidelines have been met with refusal and alleged "discrimination" from security guards outside shops, as well as verbal abuse from fellow customers accusing them of being liars and selfish.

The list of those who are classified as exempt from wearing a face-covering include:

· Those who cannot wear a face-covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability

· Children under 11-years-old

· Those who feel severe distress when wearing or taking off a face-covering

· Those reliant on lip-reading or facial expressions to communicate

· Police officers and emergency workers when it may interfere with their work

If customers feel more comfortable showing their exemption documentation, they could create a home-made sign, download and print exemption cards from the gov.uk website or find exemption lanyards in selected businesses.

To address the public's frustration over whether medically exempt individuals will be required to show proof when entering stores, supermarkets have published statements and guidelines to help shoppers.

David Potts, CEO of Morrisons, stated: "Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won't be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt."

Asda's website on coronavirus guidelines states: "Customers can enter Asda stores without a face covering if they have a medical condition or invisible disability that prevents them from wearing a covering."

In Tesco's FAQs, their website says: "It is a legal requirement to wear a face-covering in our stores. To protect our colleagues and customers, we won't let anyone in to our stores who isn't wearing a face covering, unless they're exempt in line with government guidance."

Co-op's website says that while face coverings are "compulsory for customers and staff", they realise that "it's not possible for everyone" to wear one.

On the 12th of January 2021, Waitrose stated that they will "insist that all customers must wear a face covering (unless medically exempt or under the required age)".

The next day, Aldi implemented their harsher rules for non-mask wearers, stating that all customers will need to wear a mask unless they are medically exempt and added that anyone without a medical exemption that refuses to wear a mask is not allowed to enter the store.

And finally, Lidl has said on their website: "Our colleagues may remind customers of the requirement to wear a face covering in our stores."

They added: "However, we understand that some customers are exempt from doing so."

While supermarkets have announced these initiatives, the responsibility of following the proposed new rules will ultimately fall on the shoulders of individuals stores and how they approach those with medical exemptions.