Calls are being made for a national scheme to be rolled out to identify people unable to wear facemasks due to underlying health issues so they won’t be repeatedly quizzed by shop staff and run the risk of verbal abuse. The Department of Health and HSE are being urged to deploy a scheme similar to one in Britain known as the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard Initiative. A Fine Gael Councillor in Cork, Eileen Lynch, has proposed to write to the department and HSE to consider the move. She received unanimous support from her county council colleagues in Cork. Should the scheme be introduced? Are those with underlying health conditions being quizzed or being judged for not wearing masks in public?
On Friday’s Morning Focus, Gavin Grace spoke to Cllr Eileen Lynch and James Gallagher from the local COPD Support Group.
