Mandatory for joggers/runners to wear face masks

Due to the known spread of COVID19 via expelled droplets from breathing, it seems sensible to ask runners/joggers who do this to wear a mask while also maintaining 2m distancing.

Why the contribution is important

Looking at social media, there are numerous complaints about joggers/runners breaking the 2m distancing rule. Asking them to wear a mask could improve the potential spread due to this. Recognise potential push back re breathing but it is possible to run/jog with a mask in (see photos of those in South Korea/China).

by christine72 on May 07, 2020 at 08:28AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.5
Based on: 13 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Sophie May 07, 2020 at 09:40

    This should include cyclists.

  • Posted by Outdoorfamily May 07, 2020 at 10:01

    I think it would be sensible for all people outside of the home to wear a mask. If it reduces the risk of transmission, then why wouldn't we consider this to be part of our new normal?

  • Posted by pammie May 07, 2020 at 11:29

    I think the 2 metre distancing rule is much more important than wearing a mask and is being frequently flouted by joggers and cyclists especially on narrow foot /cycle paths in and around towns and villages. If people haven't got the sense to cycle or run at a safe distance from others, I can't imagine they'll feel inclined to wear masks. Or maybe they will and then feel they can run/cycle even closer!

  • Posted by Andrew_Meldrum May 07, 2020 at 11:32

    Sorry, but you can't single out one group of people and say they have to behave differently. Either the advice is everyone should wear a mask outdoors, or it's not. There is minimal evidence that face coverings make any difference, there is a lot of evidence to suggest the spread takes place outdoors. So this would single out people trying to keep fit and healthy, and force them to change their behaviour in a way that negatively impacts them whilst continuing to all other behaviours - I suspect you just don't like joggers.
    If infection rates were rising there may be a need for this, but they are falling. Changes now are likely to be around the edges, lifting the less effective ones and reinforcing the effective. This suggestion is an obtrusive ineffectual measure.

  • Posted by IrvingBulloch May 07, 2020 at 12:09

    This should also apply to cyclists who have a habit of continuing on their own regardless of anyone else close , also they should have a bell to warn people of their approach.

  • Posted by eileencook May 07, 2020 at 15:12

    If there are more people out it will become harder to stay safe. Speaking as a cyclist, who wears a face mask, I have been suggesting that ALL cyclists should be obliged to do the same especially when on joint paths with pedestrians. Being puffed at, sneezed on (or even spat on) by a passing cyclist is unpleasant and dangerous. I would add runners to this too for the same reason

  • Posted by Ossian May 07, 2020 at 16:19

    It is unpleasant to wear a mask, especially when breathing heavily when exercising. Exercise is really important for general health and the healthy and fit are much less impacted by covid, so the last thing we want to do is make it harder. It is easy to maintain the 2m rule when running, so I do not see why masks need to be worn.

    Remember those exercising are reducing their risk of severe symptoms and protecting the NHS every time they exercise.

  • Posted by dblair May 08, 2020 at 07:57

    Most face masks aren’t practical during strenuous exercise. People need to run responsibly - e.g. if I’m running behind a slow walker on a narrow track, I’ll stop and walk, then overtake when there’s 2m space. I also hold my breath if I’m passing someone, and go out at quiet times of day to avoid other exercisers. All these things are more effective than face masks.
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