Face Mask Exemption Policy from the Doctors at the London East Medical CentreIn light of the new regional bylaw requiring the mandatory wearing of face masks in work places and areas where physical distancing is not possible, we have been receiving many requests from patients to provide medical exemptions from needing to wear face masks. The physicians at London East Medical Centre will not be issuing any medical exemptions for face masks. The conclusion of currently available medical evidence is that there very few medical conditions which exempt someone from wearing a face mask. In fact, for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seasonal allergies, and chronic sinusitis, the evidence strongly supports the use of face masks to reduce your risk of catching Covid 19 and the severe complications associated with it. For individuals who feel they do not tolerate face masks due to mental health reasons such as anxiety, we recommend avoiding situations likely to trigger anxiety while wearing face masks. This policy regarding face mask usage is supported by both Canadian and American Lung Associations. You can find these policies regarding the use of face masks here:
https://www.lungsask.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2020/facemask_infosheet.pdfhttps://www.lung.org/blog/covid-masksPlease visit the following website for further information about our current office policies
https://www.cpso.on.ca/Physicians/Your-Practice/Physician-Advisory-Services/COVID-19-FAQs-for-Physicians#Resumption-of-Non-Essential-Health-Care-Services.
If you have further questions regarding the above policies, feel free to schedule a follow up appointment with your doctor.
We advise everyone to monitor the
Middlesex London Health Unit's website for updates on COVID-19.
Stay home, healthy and safe.
Thank you for bearing with us as we all navigate this pandemic.