Face mask exemption card: How do you prove you cannot wear a covering?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here’s everything you need to know about who is and is not exempt from wearing a face covering and whether or not those exempt receive an exemption card. Those who do not have to wear face coverings include: Children under the age of 11 People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress If you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip-reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity Police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public What is an exemption card? England A face covering exemption card is a piece of paper explaining the reasons why someone is unable to wear a face covering. The government advice on exemption cards, last updated in December, says: “If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering: you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this, you do not need show an exemption card.