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COVID-19 ADVISORY/UPDATE – ALBERTA GOVERNMENT – MASK EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS - MAY 13, 2021

Anyone unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. The medical exception letter may be presented when in a public setting if requested by enforcement officials, or retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.


Workplace Requirements:

Masks are mandatory in all indoor workplaces and facilities outside the home, except:

  • when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or a barrier is in place

  • rental accommodations used solely for the purposes of a private residence

  • farm operations (exempt)

This requirement:

  • applies to all employees, customers, visitors, delivery personnel and contractors

  • includes any location where employees are present in-person

  • includes all workplace locations where masks won’t pose a safety risk

  • does not change current student mask requirements in schools


Business Requirements:

  • Private businesses may set their own policies as long as they also meet the minimum provincial requirements. This can include requiring individuals to wear masks while attending their 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.


Exceptions Where Masks Requirements May Not Apply:

Private businesses may set their own policies as long as they also meet the minimum provincial requirements. This can include

  • When you are only with people from your own household

  • If you need assistance placing, using or removing a face mask

  • If you are unable to wear a facemask due to a medical condition

  • When consuming food or drink

  • If engaging in high intensity physical exercise

  • When providing or receiving care or assistance where a facemask would hinder that caregiving or assistance

  • When alone at a workstation separated by at least 2 metres from other people

  • When working in farm operations

  • If you are the subject of a workplace hazard assessment in which it is determined that your safety will be at risk if you wear a mask while working

  • If you are separated by every other person by a physical barrier that prevents droplet transmission

  • If you need to temporarily remove your facemask while in a public place for an emergency or medical purpose or to:

    • receive a service that requires the temporary removal of a facemask

    • establish your identity


Exception for a Medical Condition:

Anyone unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional.

  • The medical exception letter must come from a nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist.

  • The medical exception letter may be presented when in a public setting if requested by enforcement officials, or retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.

  • See the list of medical conditions for which an authorized health professional may issue a medical exception letter.

Resources:

If you qualify for an exemption:

  • You don’t need to provide proof unless it’s for a medical condition.

  • Consider contacting businesses before you visit them to learn more about options and requirements.

  • You must follow all other public health measures, such as keeping 2 metres apart from other people.


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