New rules in Alberta for those unable to wear masks due to health conditions
May 18, 2021To address false claims, Alberta has tightened its rules around medical exemptions for mask wearing. Individuals will now be required to obtain a medical exception letter verifying their health condition from a nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist, and will be required to have it on hand if requested by enforcement officials. Individuals may also present it retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.
Retail protocols remain unchanged, and retail staff remain responsible for reminding customers to wear masks. However, retail staff are not expected to escalate potential conflicts by enforcing the rule on defiant customers. A similar medical requirement already exists in Saskatchewan and some other provinces.