Proof now required for mask exemption

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

People exempt from wearing masks for medical reasons now must prove their exemption by providing a letter from a medical professional, following new rules from the province.

Mask wearing has been mandatory in indoor public places in Alberta since December 2020, when the provincial government imposed a provide-wide mandate. However, some Albertans were permitted to avoid wearing masks in these settings if they said they had a medical exemption.

But now the province is specifying for which medical conditions exemptions are allowed, and is requiring people with medical exemptions get a letter from a health professional to prove their condition.

“This change is not meant to punish people unfairly,” said Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer. “It’s meant to ensure anyone who is capable of wearing a mask complies with this important public health measure intended to keep us all safe.”

Health reasons for which mask exemptions are accepted include sensory processing disorders, developmental delay or cognitive impairment, mental illness disorders, facial trauma, recent oral or jaw surgery, contact dermatitis or allergic reactions to mask components, and acute respiratory distress. Letters must be signed by a nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist.

The letter must be presented if requested by enforcement officials or else a fine will be issued.