In Toronto, 67-year-old Elaine Arbeau doesn't go out much anymore unless it's to play at a casino or bingo hall with her friends. But she was kicked out of her local bingo hall because she has a breathing hole in her neck - and it wasn't covered with a mask.
Her son, Joe Gilbert said, "She was told to leave by management if she didn't cover up the hole on her neck. She explained that was impossible to do. That's how she breathes." Gilbert said his mother was embarrassed and didn't want to create a scene so she voluntarily left. He says when she got to the parking lot she started crying. Gilbert said when the manager saw Arbeau crying in the parking lot she decided to allow her back in but at that point she refused.
Non-medical masks are mandatory in Durham Region within commercial establishments but there are some exceptions. If a mask "inhibits a person's ability to breathe in any way" they are not required. Gilbert said, "My poor mom has no voice so I'm hoping by getting this out there many people will join me to give her one. This should never happen to anyone in my mom's position."