Photo: Government of Alberta / Flickr

By Shaun Penner

Mask Exemptions

Alberta requiring medical exception letter for those unable to wear a mask

May 13, 2021 | 5:32 PM

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says new rules are coming into effect around face coverings in public spaces meant to clarify who exactly is exempt from having to wear one due to a medical condition.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health says that includes those who are unable to put on or take off a mask independently, when someone is eating or drinking while seated or if an occupational safety risk is posed by wearing a mask.

She adds there are a limited number of health issues that would qualify someone to be exempt, based on best available evidence, including:

• Sensory Processing Disorders
• Developmental delay or cognitive impairment
• Mental Illness
• Facial trauma or recent oral or jaw surgery
• Contact Dermatitis or allergic reaction to mask components
• Clinically significant Acute Respiratory Distress

With that, Hinshaw says effective immediately, Albertans with these conditions will require a medical exception letter from a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychologist.

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“This letter is important to have, especially if requested by enforcement officials for not complying with the legal requirement to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.”

Hinshaw says this decision is modelled after similar approaches in Saskatchewan and Quebec.

She adds that this measure is not intended as a punishment.

“This decision is not meant to punish people unfairly. It is meant to ensure anyone who is capable of wearing a mask complies with this important public health measure intended to keep us all safe which is especially important during this third wave of COVID-19 in the province.”

When asked to clarify why an exemption letter was needed, Hinshaw said this clarification will help enforcement officials close some loopholes with those defying the measure.

“We’ve seen some of the reports that have been conveyed to us… where individuals who are not following public health rules are perhaps seeking loopholes, or areas in the rules, where it’s not clear,” said Hinshaw.

“That’s sometimes challenging our local law enforcement teams to be able to remind people of the importance of following these rules and the fact that they are not optional, they are mandatory.”