Mask exemption cardson theway

The Government will start issuing its own exemption cards to people who prove they have a genuine reason not to wear a face mask. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the personalised exemption cards would help peoplewith health and disability conditions preventing them from wearingmasks. The newcards were not compulsory, but Hipkins said they could be used as proof of a person’s exemption from needing to wear amask. The Ministry of Health would start issuing the cards in late May, he said. At the orange setting of the Covid-19 Protection Framework, face masks are required on public transport and in taxis, in shops and supermarkets, and at public health facilities. Hipkins said the lack of an exemption process for people who can’t wear masks had led to uncomfortable conversations for peoplewho had to explain why they couldn’t wear amask. ‘‘These reasons aren’t always obvious or easy to explain. It’s also meant uncomfortable situations, with people needing to explain private health information to strangers, when they’re trying to do basic tasks like shopping.’’