Samuel Exall, the parent of an autistic child is struggling with the issue of mandated mask wearing in all public closed spaces in the United Kingdom. Sam can very well see the necessity of mask wearing for others, but because he is raising a child with autism, he needs and qualifies for the exception that does legally exist within Britain.  Although this does exist, the problem lies in the lack of information regarding this that is being dispersed throughout the UK.  Most stores, and all other enclosed places, including transportation both public and private, are not aware of the exception that is Sam Exall’s right to exercise.  Because of the fear generated throughout the UK concerning the virus (and the fear IS global and exists in other countries), most establishments and services just simply will not serve Sam or his child and will not allow entry.  Signs are posted to this effect everywhere and Sam can experience outrage and banishment from others. 
In addition, individuals can be so frightened of possible contagion that repercussions occur. 
Everything from verbal abuse to actual physical altercations have occurred when others observe someone without a mask.  Although realistically, if social distancing is followed, this should not be a problem, as the distance itself would mitigate transmission.  However, there are enough individuals that are ruled by the fear to make Sam Exall’s life difficult when he must go out with his child.  Reasons for the abject fear in the UK is related to several factors.  The MSM (Mainstream Media), especially online plays up the fear factor in order to generate ratings.  In addition, the UK has a high rate of contagion and death, as many individuals, including government officials have come down with serious cases.  This is not proven but can perhaps be attributed to the fact that many Britain subjects do suffer from COPD, which already compromises breathing.  
Unlike some countries, smoking can be more common in the UK, as it is in Italy.  It is a societal difference depending upon country.  COPD according to the WHO (World Health Organization) already hampers breathing therefore contributing to a more severe case of Covid-19.  Oxygen levels are lower and breathing labored already in those with COPD.  Thusly, the panic associated with Covid-19 and the death rate, does lead some individuals to outrageous behaviors in Britain when non-masked individuals are spotted.  
The rules keep changing and so does the data which exacerbates the situation concerning masks. 
Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister has doubled the fine to businesses and other public venues since September, after previously contracting the virus himself.  He did not require masks prior to this date.  It was left to the individual.  The data that exists also does not really specify whether the mandate is a help or a hindrance, or even actually what the number of death tallies are correct.  This is also a problem being experienced globally. Britain has not taken as strict a stance as some other countries, where mask mandates are required even for children over five years of age.  There are exemptions and even certificates of exemption that can be obtained by individuals like Samuel Exall, but these exemption certificates are NOT required.  
A doctor’s note can suffice, or even a verbal notice to a store owner, or other business regarding the inability to wear one because of caring for an autistic child or adult and/or other medical reasons.  The fear of fines, however, and the fear caused among the public by the virus itself does make many business owners and private citizens fearful of allowing patrons to enter enclosed places without a mask.  Denial of services becomes a huge problem for carers and Sam Exall is fighting this to the hilt since the virus shows no real signs of disappearing quickly now. <p>
The British Government can possibly do more in educating businesses and individuals on masking.  
While it is easy to find tons of information online and by contacting the government about the virus, even if it is conflicting, it is difficult to find information on the exceptions that exist for the mask wearing.  British businesses and individuals seem confused about the exceptions and little coverage is given to these exceptions via the news media.  It really is left to the individual to search for this information and this is a huge failing and disservice to individuals that are carers of children with autism, and carers of others with other underlying psychological and physical problems.  The fear of contagion and the fear of the fines imposed does outweigh the rationality and judgment that should be used when granting an exception to individuals like Samuel Exall.  
According to the UK Government Official website an exemption card is available readily. 
However, many individuals and businesses are not still aware of these cards or exemptions, which also can be dispersed as badges.  Individuals can go online to find out more and apply for these exemptions, and print out the exemption themselves, of have a paper form mailed to them.  The exemptions cover not only physical disabilities, but also mental and emotional disorders, and autism is listed as a high-priority exemption because the symptoms and repercussions of autism are exacerbated by a change in sound, smell, sight, touch, or even by changes in surroundings as it is in most part a “sensory” input neurological disorder.  
Even when obtaining an exemption card however, there can be issues.
The British government cites businesses for mask non-compliance but does not cite them for denying service to individuals like Sam Exall who have exemptions to the mask mandates.  Too much is still left to the judgment of the businesses, and since most are privately owned and operated, it is a challenge to convince businesses to honor the wishes of someone who has an exemption.  The struggle will continue obviously until the government and the media focuses more on the exemptions and it can be a good idea to seriously look towards more education by the government regarding this.  
Sam Exall believes this education regarding mask exemptions should take place and has taken it upon himself to start his own petition regarding this.  Help Samuel Exall in his quest towards this if possible as he does have a petition geared towards this much-needed mask exception education especially in those who are carers of autistic children or adults.  Autism is not apparent at first glance, so the mask mandates remain a problem.

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