A St Albans MP is calling for a campaign to prevent the stigmatisation of people who are exempt from wearing face masks.

Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper wants the Government to issue a campaign to create public awareness of people who are unable to wear a face mask in areas where it is compulsory.

It will be mandatory to wear a face mask in shops and supermarkets from this Friday (July 24) and people on public transport have been required to wear one from June 15.

But you don't have to wear a covering if you are classed as exempt such as for medical reasons. Mrs Cooper now wants reassurance from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, that action is being taken.

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She also said that she has received enquiries from people in St Albans who are anxious that they will become the target of "unwanted public attention" as they are classed as exempt.

She added: "Constituents who are medically exempt have been writing to me expressing their concerns.

"In turn I'm asking the Government what they're doing about it and whether they'll launch a public awareness campaign to address the stigmatisation issue."

Are you exempt?

Here is some criteria that would class someone as being exempt:

  • Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability.
  • Travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
  • To avoid harm or injury to yourself or others.
  • To take medication, or eat or drink if you need to.