Some people with autism may struggle with face masks
A Jersey charity has warned some people with Autism may need exemption from a rule forcing everyone to wear face masks.
It comes as Jersey’s Health Minister has asked for a review of the latest evidence and scientific studies relating to face coverings in enclosed spaces.
Islanders have been advised to use face coverings in public areas since April but as mask wearing has not become commonplace, the government is now considering a harder line.
Autism Jersey says that whilst some people will be fine with the changes, others will struggle.
The charity will make storyboards to speak through the changes with younger people to help them understand why.
For others, the physicality of wearing a mask can be problematic. Some people with Autism experience sensory differences and may find wearing a mask ‘too much’.
The charity says despite there being a much better understanding now than ever before of Autism, the public may be to understand why some people cannot follow the rule.