Health exemptions for masks

As major stores like Walmart and Aldi announcing this week that masks are now required in stores.

NEWSChannel 2 has learned some people with specific health conditions could be exempt from wearing one.

Signs...no mask no entry.

But are their exemptions to that rule?

News channel 2's brent kearney spoke to one man who says he's exempt from wearing a face covering.

"when i wear a mask it feels like i'm being smothered."

Francis menard, from rome, doesn't wear a mask.

Not because he doesn't want to, but because he says its crucial to his health.

And he's got a letter from his doctor to prove it.

.

None .

None "francis menard, rome" "i got it the other day i got it on the 15th.

It says francis d.

Menard this letter is to inform you that the patient above has chronic pulmonary issues."

Francis says he brings the letter with him to stores.

And when employees ask where his mask is and he shows them the letter- he says he usually has no problem getting in...execpt for one store outside of the county "i was walking around for a couple of minutes and then a manager comes up to me and says you have to put a mask on.

And i said no by law i don't have to i have a breathing problem."

I spoke with the oneida county director of public health phyllis ellis who says it is a legitimate excuse to not where a mask.

But has suggestions for those people that need to go in public.

Phyllis lisoneidao for .

If i had an iness or respiratory illss i'm athigh rin who uld go to thetore for you in such a siation."

Sidents ipoke with sayfrancis ao ores, .

Gary grory, utica"well e documents are legitimate.

In june, the department of justice reported people were using fake documents with their seal claiming they were exempt from wearing a mask.

"who is slipping through the gaps when some people are saying i cant breath when realistically they could."

Within the last week, walmart along with other stores made it mandatory to wear masks inside their facilities.

But how are they handling doctor's notes?

Brent kearney, @bkearneywktv "i did speak to a representative from walmart that says they will handlethis .

Thcounty says i up to thestoresr or not to admit those people."

"it would be up to the facilities on whether or not to decide on whether or not to come into that facility ouof the protection of their staff and the other people there."

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