Man says he can’t wear mask due to PTSD; claims he was denied access to Giant Eagle

PITTSBURGH — A local man who has been vocal about getting his small business back up and running said he was denied access to a Giant Eagle. He said it was because he wasn’t wearing a mask.

“To me there’s some pretty big hypocrisy going on when it comes to the governor’s orders,” Mat Simmons said.

Simmons said he suffers from PTSD and panic attacks, and because of that he cannot wear a mask. He said, according to the governor’s orders, he thought he would be allowed to go grocery shopping at Giant Eagle in Gibsonia.

Simmons said he was asked to leave and eventually the manager called the police. The manager said he was causing a scene and the store was private property.

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“Just because you’re private property doesn’t mean I can’t follow what the governor has put in place. It’s an executive order,” Simmons can be heard saying in a video of the confrontation.

The governor’s order says in part “individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition may enter the premises without having to provide medical documentation.” The guidelines also say businesses must provide alternative methods for customers to get their groceries.

A statement from Giant Eagle in response to the situation reads:

“We have numerous options in place to best support guests who report a medical condition and appropriately bring it to the attention of store leadership. This includes offering to have one of our Team Members shop for them, suggesting use of our Giant Eagle curbside pickup and delivery service, and offering courtesy masks to those able to shop while wearing one.”

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