PITTSBURGH — A Verona man has filed a lawsuit against Giant Eagle over the mask policy.
Nick Conley says the grocery store chain violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by trying to force him to wear a mask despite having a medical condition.
>>RELATED STORY: Man charged after physical encounter at Giant Eagle over not wearing a mask
On April 15, Gov. Tom Wolf issued an order that masks had to be worn in stores to help stop the spread of COVID-19. People with medical conditions and children 2 years old or younger were exempt from wearing the mask. A doctor’s note isn’t needed.
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The lawsuit stems from an incident on May 1, when Conely walked into a Monroeville Giant Eagle without a face mask on. He got into a confrontation with employees. He captured the encounter on his cell phone.
He said he was stopped by store security at the door. He claimed he tried to explain that he had a doctor’s note, exempting him from wearing a mask due to panic attacks.
According to TribLIVE.com, Conley was charged with defiant trespassing, simple assault and disorderly conduct.
Giant Eagle’s mask policy states that everyone entering a story must wear a mask, with no exceptions, which the lawsuit claims is a violation of Conley’s rights.
Channel 11 received a statement from Giant Eagle spokesperson that said, “Giant Eagle is actively reviewing the complaints and has no comment at this time.”
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