Chamber and committees

The vast majority of people can wear a face covering, including most people with a lung condition such as asthma, and everyone who can wear a face covering in the mandated spaces is legally required to. However, we recognise that there are certain situations where a person is unable to, or it would be inappropriate, for them to wear a face covering and these exemptions are reflected in the Regulations.

The Scottish Government exemption card is a tool to support people to feel more confident and safe when accessing public spaces and using public services. It is not intended as proof of exemption.

Details on the number of face covering exemption cards that :

(a) have been approved

Between 29 October 2020 and 11 March 2021, 63,268 individuals have received a Scottish Government face covering exemption card, 26 of these requests are for replacement exemption cards where that card has been lost or misplaced. In line with data minimisation principles, local authority breakdown is not requested or collated in order to receive an exemption card.

(b) have been declined

When using the www.exempt.scot website or helpline individuals are asked to confirm that they have read the Scottish Government guidance on exemptions and that one of the exemptions applies to them before they can receive an exemption card. This is an additional requirement in order to minimise misuse of exemption cards. We currently do not record how many individuals have not confirmed these requirements and therefore would not be eligible for an exemption card. To require individuals to seek medical proof that they are exempt would put undue burden on the NHS services at this time.

(c) are yet to be processed

On 11 March, there were zero requests yet to be processed.