Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday compulsory mask use for New Zealanders aged 12 and over while visiting essential services currently open during alert level 4 like supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations.<\/p>\n
But some confusion has reigned over whether we should be donning masks while exercising outdoors on walks and runs, especially if practising social distancing from others.<\/p>\n
Now we know: You don't have to wear a face mask during strenuous outdoor exercise, but you must practice physical distancing of at least 2m from others during these times.<\/p>\n
In Thursday's press conference, Ardern and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield addressed the uncertainty.<\/p>\n
\"We have not mandated mask use for exercise outdoors in level 4 - our general advice is when you go out, wear a mask,\" said Ardern.<\/p>\n
\"But we also want to be practical about [it]... someone, for instance, may be engaging in a very strenuous run where wearing a mask might become difficult - I couldn't speak to personal experience [on that].\"<\/p>\n
Ardern said in \"those circumstances\" practising \"good, decent social distancing\" is a must.<\/p>\n
\"We know from other countries with Delta that just walking past someone is a risk,\" she said.<\/p>\n
\"So generally when you leave the house, wear a mask...but we will be practical there.\"<\/p>\n
Bloomfield pointed to the recent investigation into a case of COVID-19 transmission at Auckland's Jet Park quarantine facility, which was likely caused by room doors being opened simultaneously for just seconds at the same time.<\/p>\n
\"So we know it can be a very transient exposure,\" he added.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Should we be wearing masks while exercising? Jacinda Ardern, Ashley Bloomfield respond to confusion - Newshub<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday compulsory mask use for New Zealanders aged 12 and over while visiting essential services currently open during alert level 4 like supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations. Continue reading