Because I knew the lockdown, social distancing, wiping down, and mask mandates were not based on science, I determined not to block my own oxygen intake, or be treated like an animal, or satisfy the Tyrannical Left by “drinking their Kool-Aid.”

Today, I can confirm that if you shop at a large chain store (which I’ll just refer to as “W”), you don’t have to wear a mask. This is despite the store’s new mask mandate. On the day it was implemented, exemptions appeared on a brand-new sign at the store entrance. Despite stating face masks were mandatory for all customers, the sign also said infants and young children, as well as persons with health conditions, are exempt.

So, if you want to avoid mask mandates, here’s what I suggest:

1. Choose from one of these exemption forms created by SaveCalifornia.com, and print several copies: mental health condition | medical condition | medical condition obstruct breathing | disability

2. Print the CDPH “guidelines” with the state-recognized exemptions, and highlight them.

3. Place all in a folder, and take the folder with you whenever visiting a business.

A winning strategy is to quickly get past the door attendant. Without breaking a stride, walk straight ahead and don’t look at the attendant. If he or she calls out, “Medical exemption?”, just keep walking, but quickly turn your head to clearly say, “Yes.” Or if they call out, “Have a mask?”, keep walking and turn your head, saying, “I’m exempt.” (After you’ve successfully done this once at a particular store, if you see the same door attendant, look them in the eye, smile, greet them, and say “Hi, I’m exempt.” They’ll want to remember you like bank tellers do.)

This will satisfy most door attendants. But at stores where they chase after you or block you, and tell you, “No exemptions,” you need to stand your ground. Be friendly but firm, and say, “Please bring the store manager here now.” You must demand to talk with the manager (who’s the likely only employee who can make independent decisions). When he or she arrives, greet them friendly, open your folder to display the CDPH document’s highlighted list, and say, “The State recognizes my exemption; I’m asking you to also recognize it.”

Feb. 17, 2021 update: Trader Joe’s and Costco now mandate masks. But you can go mask-free — by using your exemption — at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Winco, Raley’s/Bel Air, Ralph’s, Von’s, ALDI, Michael’s, Home Goods, Dollar Tree, Barons, Home Depot, Marshall’s, Ross, Jersey Mike’s, Salvation Army, Petco, PetSmart (all of these provided by Californians who’ve successfully tested these stores).

Remember, you don’t have to describe or justify your exemption, but simply claim it. The key is being informed and confident. And everyone can use SaveCalifornia.com’s medical condition obstruct breathing form, since all face masks obstruct normal breathing one way or another.

Ultimately, it’s a business’ God-given ownership right whether to demand customers wear masks. However, the tactics I’ve successfully used and have provided to you here will give you the best chance to avoid this. If you’re completely rebuffed by the store manager, you can always leave and attempt to shop elsewhere, and urge your friends to do the same.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Biblical civil disobedience in Daniel 3