Can people help with this fundamental question: Are mask mandates law? I have read:
- They can't prove in court that masks worn by the public for general use work
- Exemptions are self certified b/c it's not law.
- It's a mandate, which is a request You can lawfully decline a request & the courts will back you!
However on public transport many people have been fined £100 penalty notice, it must be given by relevant official with their name and address. Apparently £thousands have been collected in fines?
I do not want to wear a mask, I know I can say I am exempt, but if I go a step further and just say No, can I be fined, would it stand up in court?
Dunno about law, but it's easy to use the gov guidelines. Seems to me if you don't not want to wear one, being forced to do so will cause you anxiety. Covered by...
people for whom putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
Anxiety is severe distress, seems clear enough
Exemption cards
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 to show an exemption card
This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.
However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates. You can then print these yourself or show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges.
@impobs No change at all. As it was before, they are hiding the truth in the woods so that most people don't see it.
I read a comment on the Telegraph BTL comments a few days back, written by a detective of 30 years, giving some advice on the mask laws.
If someone approaches you, do not give out your name. No one has the right to detain you except the police, so you can leave if it's for example the transport police and certainly if it's Waitrose.
If the police happen to stop you, do not give your name. They might take you in for a few hours but a magistrate will in all likelihood let you go, they're used to people refusing to give names.
We're all just words on a page so take this as you will, but it seemed like good advice. to me.
It seems quite simple to me you just have to read
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020
which covers all the points that you raise and looking at the regulations I don’t see that the prosecution have to prove one way or the other regarding their effectiveness.
