Medical exemption from the requirement to wear COVID-19 mask (buy, allergies)

[Chi_42]

My understanding is that Pritzker's mask order, and the mask orders issued by various municipalities, state that only people who are medically capable of wearing masks have to wear masks.

I have several medical conditions that make it difficult for me to breathe while wearing a COVID-19 mask. These conditions are not communicable. One of these conditions is severe allergies. This condition makes it very difficult for me to breathe through my nose.

While I am wearing a mask in a store, I am constantly lifting the bottom of the mask, in order to breathe easier through my mouth. Even with the constant lifting, I feel lightheaded from the mask.

I want to get a medical exemption from wearing a mask. How would I get this exemption? Is there some form that my doctor has to fill out?

Thanks for any info.

[BOBNCHI]

Unfortunately there is no real guidance relating to enforcing this. Best bet is to have the Dr write a note to show to those in authority. The store greeter or door guards may stop you from entering a store or other shoppers that turn into the "facemask police" will try to shame you. Have the note handy to show a store manager. Good luck.

[JoePO]

Originally Posted by BOBNCHI

Unfortunately there is no real guidance relating to enforcing this. Best bet is to have the Dr write a note to show to those in authority. The store greeter or door guards may stop you from entering a store or other shoppers that turn into the "facemask police" will try to shame you. Have the note handy to show a store manager. Good luck.

And don't be surprised if said store manager says sorry, you can't come in. They have no legal obligation to do so if their policy is for everyone to wear a mask. Just like "no shoes, no shirt - no service".

Went to the local Menards over the weekend, had my 15 y/o daughter with me - they wouldn't let us in, even though we were both masked - they weren't allowing anyone under the age of 16 into the store. Oh well, shopped elsewhere.

[Chi_42]

This guy in Pennsylvania had a doctor's note exempting him from wearing a mask. The store's employees did not seem to care.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=160774358705713

[ToriaT]

Try getting a bandana and tying it around your head. It may be easier to tolerate than a mask.

[Chi_42]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

Try getting a bandana and tying it around your head. It may be easier to tolerate than a mask.

Where can I buy a bandanna or a light scarf for men?

[roodd279]

The point of the thing is to limit your projectile moisture. I have a (man's) scarf I just wrap around my neck like it's midwinter, and pull it up over my mouth when the time comes. No problem breathing through it - it's almost not there - but it would definitely stop my virus-y stuff from flying across the room.

[Chi_42]

Originally Posted by roodd279

The point of the thing is to limit your projectile moisture. I have a (man's) scarf I just wrap around my neck like it's midwinter, and pull it up over my mouth when the time comes. No problem breathing through it - it's almost not there - but it would definitely stop my virus-y stuff from flying across the room.

The scarf that I have right now is a very warm winter scarf that would be too warm to be worn inside a store.


I saw the following not-so-warm scarf for women:

https://www.headcovers.com/bendi-ban...ts-1face-mask/


I want something similar for men.

[Chi_42]

Well, today, I spoke to my allergy doctor about getting a medical exemption from wearing a COVID-19 mask. He refused to give me an exemption. He said that, he will not be giving exemptions to any of his patients because he doesn't want the liability. He said that, if someone yells at me for not wearing a mask, he does not want to be responsible. His nurse said that I should just stay home.

[CCrest182]

Originally Posted by Chi_42

My understanding is that Pritzker's mask order, and the mask orders issued by various municipalities, state that only people who are medically capable of wearing masks have to wear masks.

I have several medical conditions that make it difficult for me to breathe while wearing a COVID-19 mask. These conditions are not communicable. One of these conditions is severe allergies. This condition makes it very difficult for me to breathe through my nose.

While I am wearing a mask in a store, I am constantly lifting the bottom of the mask, in order to breathe easier through my mouth. Even with the constant lifting, I feel lightheaded from the mask.

I want to get a medical exemption from wearing a mask. How would I get this exemption? Is there some form that my doctor has to fill out?

Thanks for any info.

The problem is stores just drone away at reading the headline, "FACE MASKS REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE ENTERING THE STORE". Most store owners/operators don't even read beyond the headline, and just immediately put up a sign saying "facemasks required". Not realizing, that yes, exemptions absolutely exist in the order.

I'd imagine the best thing to do would be to go to your doctor and get a note, and maybe even go into the police station to get a note from them, stating that you are indeed allowed to enter with a medical exemption, and that the law allows you to enter maskless. It'll be difficult for them to turn you away after both your doctor AND local law enforcement have given you the O.K. to do enter.

The worst a store could do is kick you out, I don't see how your doctor would be "liable" for anything at all. A store kicking you out has no legal leg to stand on, whatsoever.