Our current PPE settings require visitors to wear a mask in clinical settings if they can.
If you’re unsure why someone isn’t wearing a mask and are in a situation where you need to talk to them about mask-wearing, you can note that your request is conditional by respectfully asking them to wear a mask if they can.
When asking the question, you can also remind the visitor that wearing a mask is for their protection and the protection of those around them.
If they advise that they have a lawful exemption to wearing a mask, they should not be asked to provide evidence.
It is lawful not to wear a mask if you cannot do so due to a medical condition. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with obstructed breathing, a serious skin condition of the face, an intellectual disability, a mental health condition or persons who have experienced trauma.
A visitor with a lawful exemption may enter a clinical area at the discretion of the Nurse Manager or Nurse in Charge – as always, it is important we balance the risk of infectious disease transmission with compassionate patient and family-centred care.
Human Rights Commission – Face masks and human rights
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to talk with your manager.