According to ADA regulations, you may ask IF a person has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, but you may NOT ask what the condition is; also, there is no "proof" they can give you, nor are they required to do so. (Those cards you've seen on social media are fake.)
This website has a lot of info explaining ADA regs regarding face masks, including the text I've copied below:
The ADA and Face Mask PoliciesHope this helps!
Info directly from the website:
If a person with a disability is not able to wear a face mask, state and local government agencies and private businesses must consider reasonable modifications to a face mask policy so that the person with the disability can participate in, or benefit from, the programs offered or goods and services that are provided. A reasonable modification means changing policies, practices, and procedures, if needed, to provide goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to an individual with a disability.[10] The requirement to modify a policy, practice, or procedure does not include individuals without disabilities, as they are not protected under the ADA.
Examples of reasonable modifications to a face mask policy
- Allow a person to wear a scarf, loose face covering, or full face shield instead of a face mask;
- Allow customers to order online with curbside pick-up or no contact delivery in a timely manner;
- Allow customers to order by phone with curb-side pick-up or no contact delivery in a timely manner;
- Allow a person to wait in a car for an appointment and enter the building when called or texted; or
- Offer appointments by telephone or video calls.
------------------------------
Janeen Trevillyan
Director
Sedona Heritage Museum
Sedona AZ
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2020 09:29 AM
From: Sherrie Colbert
Subject: Masks
Unless the visitor can prove they have a medical condition, everyone has to wear a mask. I have not had any issues after reopening for the past 30 days.
Sherrie ColbertMuseum Director
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA 50131
515-252-4531
To honor and depict the military service of all Iowans
Original Message:
Sent: 7/15/2020 9:16:00 AM
From: Robin Faitoute
Subject: RE: Masks
I'm curious if any organizations requiring face masks on re-opening are permitting guests to enter without a mask if they claim a medical condition that prevents them from wearing one. If so, do you have criteria for the exemption?
Thank you,
Robin
------------------------------
Robin Faitoute
Manager of Exhibit Development
National Aquarium
Baltimore MD
Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2020 09:02 AM
From: Katherine Gerard
Subject: Masks
We've been open 2 weeks and are adhering to CDC guidelines, masks for all ages 2 and up. It's working remarkably well and we've had no pushback. I encourage you to do the same -- it's a major pillar in stopping the spread of COVID-19. You'll protect your staff and your guests and feel good that you did! As others have noted, people trust museums, and we need to deliver.
Darcie MacMahon
Director of Exhibits & Programs
Florida Museum of Natural History
------------------------------
Katherine Gerard
Administrative Services Specialist II
Florida Museum of Natural History - University of Florida
Gainesville FL
Original Message:
Sent: 07-10-2020 09:41 AM
From: Martin Fisher
Subject: Masks
A topic that continues to arise for us is whether or not we shouldrequire general public visitors to wear them, and if we should requireprogram participants (field trips, birthday parties, etc.) to wearthem. Our current policy is that staff wear face coverings, but theyare recommended (not required) for any and all visitors. I would beinterested in hearing what other places are doing, and hearing whatissues/feedback you're getting.Thanks,Martin
--
Martin S. Fisher
Executive Director
Science Central
1950 North Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-424-2400 ext. 441
Fax: 260-422-2899
Cellular: 260-452-4047
Email:
mfisher@sciencecentral.orgwww.sciencecentral.org41°5'52" N 85°7'8" W 756 ft.
Spark Your Imagination!