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By Chantal Wagner

Residents with mask exemptions say they’re being treated unfairly

Apr 23, 2021 | 4:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Wearing a face covering in a public place is mandatory in Alberta under the province’s COVID-19 health measures.

However, there are exemptions allowed under certain circumstances.

Recently, two residents in our city have told CHAT News they have been treated unfairly because of their mask exemptions.

Under the provincial health order, Albertans who cannot wear masks, do not require proof of the physical and or mental health concern that prohibits them from wearing a mask.

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Monica Van Iderstine says she is unable to wear a mask due to her disability.

And she says she feels like an outcast.

She wants to honor public health orders and even has a note from her doctor that she is exempt from wearing a mask.

Van Iderstine has been turned away from businesses she’s even had to do her taxes and banking from inside her car.

She says she doesn’t know how she’s going to be treated when she goes into public places.

And she wants the government to advocate more for people with limitations and mask exemptions.

“Sometimes you’re afraid to go into certain establishments because you don’t know if you’re going to be turned away. And people with disabilities already feel bad about themselves and then they’re being treated to feel even worse about themselves in public,” Van Iderstine said.

A statement from Alberta Health says mask exemptions do not require proof:

“But businesses are responsible for following current public health orders and may choose to deny customers service if they are not wearing a mask.

Businesses may also choose to place additional requirements for their specific business.

Customers in that situation may wish to consider contacting the business in advance of going to explain their situation and explore potential options that could work for both them and the business. Businesses and public places are encouraged to provide alternatives for patrons unable to wear masks, such as offering online orders, delivery, or curbside pickup.

People who are unable to wear a mask or face covering may want to wear a face shield. Those who opt for a face shield should choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. Those wearing a face shield still need to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres and practice good hand hygiene, especially if they touch the face shield.

For information on when and how to use face masks and shields, as well as how to make and care for cloth masks, please visit www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx.”