An August 31, 2021, Order (the "Order") of the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, and related guidance provided by the PA Department of Health, provides as follows regarding the Face Covering Requirement intended to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 Virus: PA DOH Order August 31, 2021
Section 3: Exceptions to Covering Requirement
The following are exceptions to the face covering requirements in Section 2. All alternatives to a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order.
A. If wearing a face covering while working would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.
B. If wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability. C. When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity.
D. When working alone and isolated from interaction with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interaction.
E. If an individual is communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired or has another disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
F. When the individual is under two (2) years of age.
G. When an individual is: (1) Engaged in an activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask, such as eating and drinking, or playing an instrument that would be obstructed by the face covering; or 5 (2) Participating in high intensity aerobic or anerobic activities, including during a physical education class in a well-ventilated location and able to maintain a physical distance of six feet from all other individuals.
H. When a child/student is participating in a sports practice activity or event, whether indoors or outdoors.
The Order also provides that all alternatives to wearing a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order.
Parent/guardian who’s child qualifies for medical exemption must complete and submit the following form: