RESIDENTS are being urged not to contact their GP for a letter explaining why they do not need to wear a face covering.

It comes as the Government has confirmed the list of people who will be exempt from wearing face coverings in shops from July 24, when a rule making them mandatory comes into force.

In a post on Twitter, Dr Jonathan Griffiths, a GP at Swanlow Medical Centre in Winsford, said: “To all patients – please don't ask your doctor for a letter saying that you have a medical reason not to wear a mask.

“You should self-declare, and your doctor does not, therefore, need to provide you with a letter.”

Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?

It is not compulsory for shop workers to wear them, but the Government says employers should recommend their use, particularly where other safety measures are not used such as visors.

According to the Government guidelines, shoppers do not need to wear a face covering for the following legitimate reasons:

  • young children under the age of 11
  • not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
  • to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
  • to eat or drink, but only if you need to
  • to take medication
  • if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

You can also be permitted to remove a face covering if asked for age identification or if speaking to someone who relies on lip reading for communication.