Exemptions
You are no longer legally required to wear a face covering in any setting. Therefore you do not need to rely on an exemption card if you need one……. click the link above to read more on the Government Web Site.
There will also be a small number of exemptions for individuals who have a medical reason which means they cannot vaccinate or test. These individuals will need to self-declare their medical exemption directly with you.
A digital solution is being developed which will enable individuals with a medical exemption to show their COVID-19 status using the NHS COVID Pass. In the interim, please follow the advice below.
Please be mindful and respectful where there are potentially circumstances where a customer or individual cannot safely demonstrate their COVID-19 status by taking a vaccination or a test. This could include people:
- with learning disabilities or autistic individuals, or with a combination of impairments which result in the same distress.
- those suffering from or under medical supervision for acute or evolving serious diseases or those receiving palliative care
- or undergoing treatment with unpleasant side effects.
Event or venue organisers in England that choose to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry can decide whether to accept self-declared medical exemptions where an individual cannot vaccinate or test, ensuring they comply with the Equalities Act 2010.
Your customers may declare a medical exemption directly with you. You and your staff should not ask for evidence of the exemption.
If businesses decide to require evidence of Covid-19 status as a condition of entry, they should ensure that they comply with all the relevant legal obligations (for example, the Equalities Act 2010) and guidance that applies.
Please consider the following steps and ensure your staff are briefed, in circumstances where you experience a customer entering your venue or event who is not able to demonstrate their COVID-19 status.
You may see an individual wearing a visual cue to indicate they are declaring a medical exemption from testing and vaccination. Please note any form of visual cue that indicates an exemption should be respected. This can include a handmade version. It is not mandatory for an individual to wear a visual cue to outline they are exempt. You should not ask these individuals to demonstrate their COVID-19 status through the NHS App.
If you cannot see a visual cue but need to ask a customer to demonstrate their COVID-19 status or declare a medical exemption, please keep your distance to help protect them. If you are wearing a face covering, you may need to temporarily remove this so your full face and mouth can be seen when speaking with them, which can aid lip reading and facial expression reading.
Please ask your customer if they can demonstrate their COVID-19 status using the NHS COVID Pass.. This allows your customer to respond with information about a self declared medical exemption.
If your customer confirms that they have a self declared exemption, but is unable to show any evidence, you should allow them access to your venue or event. You must not ask for proof of their medical exemption and it is not essential they show any form of exemption card at any point.
1. If you are kicked out of an establishment, restaurant, school, etc document it.
2. Call the human rights commission. The number is 0800 496 877
3. Make a complaint and get a file number.
4. Use that file number and make a statement.
5. The human rights commission will serve them papers.
6. The place that rejected you will think they can win in court.
7. The judge will force them to pay because the human rights commission will remind them no business private or public can discriminate against anyone based on religion, race and yes any health reasons because it is illegal.
8. Everyone will overwhelm the places that they will also fight against the passports by allowing everyone inside and not turning anyone away.
