Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has called on Stormont Ministers to consider issuing badges for people not required to wear face coverings in designated indoor settings or when travelling on public transport.
Since 10 August, it has been mandatory for people in Northern Ireland to use face coverings in enclosed places.
However, there are exemptions for individuals under the age of 13, shop workers and those with “reasonable excuses” including relevant health conditions as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.
LORD ROGAN
There have been reports of people not required to wear face coverings being confronted by members of the public unaware that they have good reason for not doing so.
Lord Rogan, who suffers from asthma, said it would be helpful for the Stormont Executive to issue badges to individuals exempt from the new legal requirements.
He commented: “The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland are following the rules on face coverings and, quite rightly, want everyone else to follow suit.
“But, as someone not able to wear a face covering because of breathing problems, I have often felt uncomfortable when I’m a shop and am the only person without a mask.
“Not only does it place people like me in an embarrassing position, but it leaves others such as shop workers or fellow shoppers in an equally awkward position.
“The charity Asthma UK has helpfully produced a card which asthma sufferers can download and display when out and about.
“The UK Government has since gone a step further and created a badge as well as a card for people in England to download.
“I would encourage our own Executive to produce Northern Ireland versions of both, perhaps backed up by a metal badge which would be easier for older citizens to access and wear.
“Stormont Ministers have faced bigger challenges since the start of this pandemic. This is one they could and should easily rise to.”