Mask Guidelines Cover Most People But There Are Little Known Exemptions

This past Thursday’s Public Health Order issued by the Province’s chief medical health officer Dr Saqib Shabab ordered everyone to wear non-surgical masks that cover their face and nose while inside an indoor building or space that is accessible to the public.

The seemingly blanket order appears to cover everyone - except those two years of age or younger, those who are unconscious or physically unable to wear a mask or those involved in exercise.

There is within the Public Health Order other exemptions which applies to those with medical conditions which seriously restricts their ability to wear a mask. Under the Order if someone has a medical condition, as determined by a health care professional, which restricts their ability to breath they are not required to wear a mask.

Except From the November 19th Public Health Order

As part of the clarification to the Public Health Order on November 19th the Province issued a list of people not required to wear a mask and the situations which would allow for the exemption.

For people with particular medical conditions, as determined by their doctor, which made wearing a mask created restrictive breathing or other medical conditions they are exempt from the order.

People in this situation should carry a letter from their health care provider which exempts them from wearing a mask in order to prevent any potential problems and misunderstandings.

MJ Independent was approached by two individuals who already had medical conditions where wearing a mask made it difficult for them to breath- serious lung conditions - and asked for clarification of the order and we asked questions of Saskatchewan Health on their behalf.

Individuals who do not wear a mask as defined in the clarified Public Health Order risk a $2,800 fine.