Wear a mask or don't wear a mask?

One big change that is becoming a new normal due to the pandemic is the increased use of mask in public places. While many countries and businesses are starting to open up, the need to wear a mask as a preventive measure to halt the spread of the pandemic becomes more vital.

Scientific studies supports mask wearing

Wearing of mask protect wearers from getting and spreading the virus to others. A doctor explained to me. "There is evidence that masks reduce the exhaled aerosols from infectious but asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, wearing a mask can help to 'disrupt' and become a helpful barrier when you cough or sneeze.' Studies had also shown that wearing a mask prevent large particles such as the corona virus from entering the body system via our mouth and nose.

Importance of wearing a mask

As businesses reopen and employees return to work, masks can play a pivotal role in helping block the spread of the virus, especially from asymptomatic carriers. The more people in a given space wearing masks, the less viral particles are making it into the space around them, decreasing exposure and risk.  

When you are in the office, or shopping for groceries or going to the pharmacies, it is not a hassle to wear a mask and you need to practise social distancing too. However, if you are mixing it with exercise and physical training outdoors the answers is not as simple as black and white.

Does it mean I have to wear during exercising?

I asked around several doctors and sports medicine specialists. Here are some things to note for those who are avid runners and physical trainers who train their clients outside.

It depends on where you live and planing to run. If you plan to run in an area where it is congested (where social distancing is hard to maintain) and you need to weave in and out of crowds, then it is highly advised that you wear a mask. On the other hand, if you are running around your neighbourhood, where you occasionally see another runner or dog walker, then it is highly unlikely that you need to wear a mask. The same rule applies during other outdoor activities such as biking and hiking.

Another point worth knowing is that wearing a mask might impede your pace or performance. This means that you might have a harder time catching your breath if you’re running in a face mask. You might also feel more fatigued quicker than you normally would, even if you’re in pretty good shape. Because of this, you might need to modify the intensity of your run. These tell-tale signs are important for you to recognise and monitor yourself as you go through your exercises. There are:-

1. Chest pain

2. Dizziness or lightheadedness

3. Difficulty or laboured breathing

If you are suffering from these symptoms, then sit down, walk until you catch your breath and feel better. The good news is that with all aspects of fitness, the more you do it, the more adaptive your body will be and it will become a new normal for you.

Wear a mask

My strong recommendation is to wear a mask. I am championing to those who wear mask. Wearing a mask should be in conjunction with social distancing and not a replacement of that practise. Please support any foundations that helps to buy mask for the less fortunate. Every lives matter and we can stop the spread of the virus if we start doing our part.

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