Few medical exemptions exist for mask order

SANDUSKY — What medical conditions can exempt Ohioans from Gov. Mike DeWine's face mask order? Not many, according to medical professionals. Studies have shown face masks significantly reduce COVID-19's spread by trapping the respiratory droplets that could be carrying the virus as they leave the wearer's mouth and nose. But when DeWine made face masks mandatory for Ohioans at indoor public settings or where social distancing can't be maintained outside, he exempted people under the age of 10 and those with a medical condition or disability. But the order didn't go into specifics on what conditions might exempt a person. Rachel Feeley, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health, said exceptions to the order include mental health conditions, some disabilities and respiratory conditions that restrict breathing. "There aren't very many conditions that prevent someone from wearing a mask," said Dr. Avraham Cooper, a pulmonologist and intensive care physician at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center. As possible exemptions, Cooper could only think of people with facial deformities that prevent mask-wearing, sensory disorders related to autism and people who need others to see their mouths to communicate. Do masks obstruct breathing? Stories have circulated online of people not being able to breathe through face masks and suffering from carbon dioxide toxicity, but the accepted medical science disagrees. "Wearing a face mask shouldn't obstruct breathing," said Cooper, who as a pulmonologist specializes in respiratory conditions. Fabric face masks are porous enough to allow air through while trapping respiratory droplets exhaled by individuals. But if a person has concerns about breathing through a mask, Cooper suggests they contact their doctor and look into alternatives like a face-shield. Respiratory conditions Many people have claimed that chronic respiratory illnesses — like asthma and COPD — would make it too difficult to breathe through masks, but according to doctors, that isn't the case. "I have a pulmonary clinic where I see patients with advanced lung diseases, and everyone wears a mask and can breathe," Cooper said. "People with respiratory conditions should wear masks because they're the ones we especially don't want catching COVID-19." An article written by Dr. Doron Dorfmon and Dr. Mical Raz on the JAMA Health Forum — a website offering research and commentary for physicians — argued that people with respiratory illnesses should wear a mask because they have a higher risk of spreading the virus through chronic coughing. Cooper also recommends masks because people with an underlying respiratory illness are at a greater risk of a severe case of the virus. Fabric face coverings are most effectual at protecting the people around the wearer, but Cooper said it offers some protection to the wearer as well. False exemption claims According to the JAMA article, people opposed to mandatory face masks have erroneous claims of exemption to avoid wearing them. A fraudulent "Face Mask Exempt Card." Provided photo/DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE The U.S. Department of Justice released a warning for false postings and flyers circulating on social media and the internet claiming the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) exempted people from wearing masks. "The ADA does not provide blanket exemptions to people with disabilities from complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations," the department stated. Online Posts also wrongfully claimed companies and officials couldn't ask a person why they weren't wearing a mask because of HIPAA and the Fourth Amendment. Federal officials also warned businesses of fraudulent "Face Mask Exempt" cards for sale, which have the justice department's seal. The fraudulent cards include spelling errors, misidentify the Americans with Disabilities Act, and claims violators will be reported to the fictitious "Freedom to Breathe Agency."