People should not ask their GPs for proof that they are exempt from wearing face masks, local NHS bosses have said.

The news comes after mask wearing was made compulsory in shops from Friday, July 24th.

Although people can be exempt from wearing masks for a number of reasons, people have been warned not to ask their GPs for proof that they are exempt, with the advice being that GPs' priority should be to fight the pandemic.

Dr Steve Fawcett, GP and Medical Director for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire CCGs said: "There are a number of exemptions, but you should not ask your GP for proof you are exempt.

"This is not a good use of a doctor's time or NHS resources in the current circumstances. It is up to individuals to demonstrate they have a valid exemption.

"We know a lot of people feel uncomfortable at the thought of wearing a face mask but there are good reasons for doing so during this phase of the pandemic. I would urge people to remind themselves that this will help us to defeat the virus.

"The face covering is required not to protect the wearer, but for those they come into close contact with. We know many people can be Coronavirus positive but have no symptoms. You could feel fine but pass the virus to someone who may suffer severe health consequences or die."

He added: "Babies should never have their faces covered or be put in a mask because of the danger of suffocation, and children under the age off 11 are exempt in shops."

Some of the reasons that people can be exempt from wearing face masks include:

• Young children under the age of 11

• Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, impairment, or disability.

• If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress.

• If you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.

• To take medication.

Shop staff are also not required to wear a face covering.

Dr Fawcett added: "Please only take advice about the virus from official NHS sources."