Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 18 August 2020 to Question 74433 on Coronavirus: Protective Clothing, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of producing a national badge or pass to indicate when individuals are exempt from wearing a face mask on public transport or in shops.

Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. Different options are available on GOV.UK (including printable templates and a template for mobile telephones), and on charity and organisations websites, or could be hand-made. This aims to help tackle any potential stigma that may be faced by people who are unable to wear a face covering due to hidden disabilities and/or mental health reasons.