For anyone in Alberta to be exempt from the provincial face coverings mandate, they will now need to carry a letter stating the reason why they are excused.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw says there are limited health issues that can make one exempt from wearing a mask.
The health conditions include:
- Sensory processing disorders
- Developmental delay or cognitive impairment
- Mental illness disorders
- Facial trauma or recent oral/jaw surgery
- Contact dermatitis or allergic reactions to mask components
- Clinically significant acute respiratory distress
The letters will need to be provided by a nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist.
“There have been some incidents reported in the media where individuals not following public health rules are seeking loopholes or areas in the rules where it’s not clear; challenging law enforcement.” Dr. Hinshaw stated the letters of proof will help make public health orders more enforceable.
Dr. Hinshaw says similar approaches are being used in Saskatchewan and Quebec basing it off of medical evidence. “This change is not meant to punish people unfairly. It’s meant to ensure anyone who is capable of wearing a mask complies with this public health measure intended to keep us all safe, which is especially important during this third wave.”
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
