The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a mandate that calls for winter sports athletes to wear masks while competing.

All 10 school districts in the Times News coverage area are abiding by that request.

There are exceptions to that rule, however.

Athletes can petition to not wear a mask while competing.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will allow the athlete to be exempt from wearing a mask “if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition, or a disability.”