Certain face mask exemption cards that claim the owner is exempt from wearing a mask are fake, the US Department of Justice says.
The DOJ issued a warning after face mask exemption cards and flyers began circulating bearing the department's seal. The cards may claim that the owner does not have to wear a face mask, and may cite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
"These postings were not issued by the Department and are not endorsed by the Department," the DOJ said in a statement.
The DOJ says the public should not rely on these cards for information about face masks and disabilities. Instead, the agency says to visit ADA.gov or contact the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY).
Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While a face covering may not protect the wearer, "it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others," the agency says.
In Milwaukee, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic released her proposed MKE Cares ordinance Monday night, which would require a mask mandate across the city of Milwaukee.
The ordinance proposes issuing a mandate that would require masks to be worn when anyone is indoors in a public place and outdoors if there are several people in a given space.
The ordinance blends policies instituted in other cities battling COVID-19, such as New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix. It's expected to be introduced at Tuesday's Common Council meeting.
The proposed ordinance would require all businesses to enforce the mask requirement or risk being shut down by the health department. If a business received a patron who refused to wear a mask, the ordinance says the health department could give a warning and citation to the individual, rather than the business. Violations of the ordinance could result in a fine ranging from $50 to $500.
The ordinance also allows for exceptions to the mask rule, including:
- Persons under the age of 2 are not required to wear masks
- Those who can't wear a mask due to a medical condition
- Those with upper-respiratory chronic conditions
- Medical treatment appointments
"I want to thank each and every citizen who has taken the time to make their voice heard in the interest of making our community a safer, healthier place. The time to act is now, we cannot stand by while new cases soar, school reopening discussions are taking place, and people continue to die," said Ald. Dimitrijevic. "We won’t look back and regret this science-supported action to protect our loved ones, but we will regret it if we do not act. MKE Cares is built on compliance. We want you to do your part to help keep everyone safe. In my view, this is an important moment for the city government to do what is needed to protect the health and safety of our citizens, essential workers, and the entire community. I look forward to the robust discussion that will take place around this ordinance in the coming days."