Mask Exemptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic—A New Frontier for Clinicians
Doron Dorfman, Mical Raz
Abstract
Masking or face covering amid the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a highly polarizing practice, with surprising partisan divisions. While masking remains contentious, there is bipartisan agreement among policy makers that medical exemptions for masking are necessary and appropriate. Yet there is a dearth of guidance for clinicians on how to approach a request for an exemption. We analyze the medical and legal standards to guide this debate.
Topics & Concepts
Masking (illustration)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Pandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)FrontierFace (sociological concept)Political sciencePublic relationsLaw and economicsInternet privacyLawMedicineSociologyVirologyComputer scienceDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)Visual artsPathologyArtSocial scienceOutbreakInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsClimate Change and Health Impacts