Authorities reveal medical exemptions to mandatory mask laws
The exemptions include asthma however experts say patients with lung conditions should still wear the masks if possible
People with asthma and other medical conditions will be exempt from Victoria’s new laws mandating the use of facemasks to combat COVID-19, health officials say.
From Thursday, people in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will have to wear a face covering when leaving the house or risk a $200 fine, unless they have a medical exemption.
Exemptions will be “a relevant medical condition — including problems with breathing, a serious skin condition on the face, a disability or a mental health condition”, according to Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The department has specifically flagged asthma as an exemption.
