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<p>People are not required to prove they have an exemption or reasonable excuse which
means they do not need to wear a face covering and it is for individuals to choose
how they communicate this to others.</p><p>We expect that the majority of those who
do not wear a face covering in regulated settings have a reasonable excuse or exemption.
The Government has actively engaged with stakeholders including disability charities
to understand the impact of the policy on disabled people. By requesting that members
of the public be respectful of circumstances where someone cannot wear a face covering
and issuing guidance that no one need prove their exemption, we aim to minimise the
negative impact on those with disabilities, which is a protected characteristic. The
Department, as a public authority, is legally obliged to give due regard to the Public
Sector Equality Duty when making policy decisions by considering the impact of policy
on groups with protected characteristics.</p>
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