Photo: Getty ImagesThe Government is rolling out a new face mask exemption card for people with genuine reasons not to wear one. Unlike the old exemptions, the new personalised cards have a legal standing and anyone questioning them could be contravening the Human Rights Act. They were being adopted because the government has recognised that some people cannot wear a mask due to an impairment, health conditions, a physical disability or mental health reasons. "It's important we all understand that for some people wearing a face mask is difficult. She thanked organisations such as Blind Citizens New Zealand, the Disabled Persons Assembly, Deaf Aotearoa and other non-government groups who have managed the mask exemption process until now.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 27, 2022 13:02 UTC