Deciding whether people with legitimate medical challenges should be exempt from broad mask mandates is a “new frontier” in health policy, says a University of Rochester expert.
Mical Raz, University of Rochester health policy historian and physician, created an analysis designed to guide health care professionals.
Ultimately, the research found that most individuals should be able to wear a face mask, regardless of health problems.
However, there are some legitimate reasons for requesting mask exemptions. These include developmental disabilities or facial deformities. In these situations, though, it’s important to evaluate if a face mask alternative could work, such as a face shield.