A woman who is exempt from wearing a face mask says she has felt "bullied" after receiving hostile responses when questioned over why she is not wearing one
Lisa Howman, 35, has been forced to miss vital appointments and told to 'stay away' from customers having turned up to various places without a covering.
The former cleaning business owner, from Bestwood, is exempt from wearing a mask due to auto-immune problems.
She says she also has bad experiences from her past, which mean mask wearing makes her feel "trapped".
But in recent weeks she says she has felt "discriminated against", turning up to do shopping or to attend blood tests only to be "challenged" for not wearing the mask.
It has resulted in a vital doctors' appointment being missed and the mum feeling like a "walking infection bucket" due to the way she is being perceived.
She adds both her mother and son are exempt from wearing a mask and have had similar issues. She fears the same thing is happening to other exempt people "across the board".
"I've been into shops and security guards have told me to make sure I 'stay away from other customers' because I'm exempt and not wearing a mask," she said.
"My response was that that's what we're all supposed to be doing anyway, regardless of whether you're exempt or not?"
She added: "The policy which the Government sets is what everyone should be following, but people are making up the the rules. It's making me feel different to everyone else.
"I feel attacked, I am allowed not to wear a mask under these guidelines.
"Both my mum and my son are exempt from wearing masks but they are experiencing similar problems. If it's happening to us then it's happening to other people too.
"It's like being almost bullied, we don't even need to carry our exemption card and our word should be enough."
Government guidance on the issue states people who are exempt from wearing a mask "do not routinely need to show" any evidence they are exempt.
It adds people "do not need to show an exemption card" and the card is a "personal choice", not required by law.
Ms Howman says the issue has affected her mental health, making her feel "targeted" by people simply for not having to wear a mask.
"Wearing my mask has an awful mental impact on me, and I don't judge other people for not wearing a mask either," she added.
"I shouldn't be challenged on it anywhere I go, it's awful. Why am I being targeted for not having a mask on?
"I feel like I am a walking infection bucket at the minute from the way people either look or comment that I'm not wearing a mask."
Mike Scott, 33, Ms Howman's partner, says he notices the "pain" it causes her when she is questioned.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: "I have personally seen the discrimination Lisa has endured for being exempt from wearing a mask and the pain this causes her every time she is questioned and made to feel like she is a risk to others."
Ms Howman says she has been in contact with her local MP, Alex Norris, who represents Nottingham North and is also Labour's shadow health minister.
Mr Norris has been contacted for a comment.
