BOSTON — The federal government is warning businesses about the existence of fake “face mask exempt” cards, images of which have been circulating on social media.
The cards, made to look official with a U.S. Department of Justice seal, say the use of a mask “poses a mental and/or physical risk” to the individual. It claims the bearer is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, alleging the person isn’t obligated to disclose their physical condition should they be questioned about it.
In a post on ADA.gov, the U.S. Department of Justice is cautioning these cards are fake and do not represent the Department of Justice.
Businesses are not obligated to comply with these fake cards.
“These postings were not issued by the Department and are not endorsed by the Department,” the post states.
The Centers for Disease Control “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
— CDC.gov
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