Dear Editor,
Joggers, runners, walkers, and strollers: they have this in common—most do not wear a mask. I’m a stroller, but I always wear mine when outdoors.
The way I see the issue is this. The SI’s have been “permissive” and not “directive”. They have never said: DON’T wear a mask while out for exercise. Rather, the language is suggestive, and the line being used is that “it is no longer a requirement” to do so.
On the other hand, the science is on the side of wearing the mask if you’re outdoors, as uncomfortable as that may be. But there are other reasons to do so:
• Each new day there’s something new about this virus. Like it’s growing modes of transmission. We now know that it lingers in the air longer than was originally thought.
• When we exercise—and walking is exercise—we breathe more heavily and deeply than ordinarily, so that 6-ft is not far enough.
• I don’t live alone, so since the virus needs my help in gaining entrance to our living room, I make sure it doesn’t do so because I was careless and took a suggestion as an order.
• Folks who have the virus don’t know it until symptoms appear. In that group of 3 or 4 coming towards you, talking and laughing, and yes, breathing heavily, there might just be a carrier.
• Cats proverbially get 8 more chances. I’ve got only one toss to get it right.
Wear the mask, folks. Lives back home matter.
Hart Tillett
