The Grey Bruce Health Unit advises the public there is no requirement for a COVID-19 Face Mask Medical Exemption Card or anything similar. These cards are being sold as a scam.
Medical Exemption Cards, a doctor’s note or any other exemption affidavit is not required for anyone unable to wear a face covering for medical or other reasons.
Persons exempt from wearing face coverings include:
- a child under the age of 2 years or a child under the age of 5 years either chronologically or developmentally and he or she refuses to wear a face covering
- anyone incapacitated and unable to remove their face covering without assistance
- when wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe in any way
- for any other medical reason, the person cannot safely wear a face covering such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information
The obligation to provide reasonable accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code requires exemption from this requirement.