The coronavirus situation has been changing almost hourly, and for those looking to stay and healthy, it’s a battle to get accurate information. Recently, the CDC reversed an earlier decision and has advised the population to wear facemasks in public situations. Does that mean we need a mask to ride or run?

It’s complicated. Early on, the CDC had advised against wearing facemasks. The main factor for that guideline was based on supply and benefit. With a limited and shrinking about of N95 masks in the United States, experts wanted to ensure those stockpiles ended up where they were needed the most. The close-quarters, high-risk hospital setting is certainly where medical-grade masks do the most good and keep the most at-risk people safe. 

Just as importantly, we’ve learned a lot about the coronavirus in the weeks since that initial recommendation. The sheer volume of viral particles found in the mucus membranes of those infected makes the disease a serious threat indoors and still something to consider outside, too. Plus, the virus appears to be at its most infectious at the early stages of incubation, often while the carrier is still asymptomatic. That means the patient probably feels totally healthy and even up for a run or ride. 

Masks aren’t necessarily to protect you from infection, either. If you leave medical masks to the professionals (and you should), then homemade masks made out of t-shirts are only about 30% effective. However, they do offer those around you an added degree of protection by reducing the amount of possible droplets expelled from your mouth and nose while breathing. 

So, if you’re heading out to ride or run, should you wear a mask? It depends. If you live in a place where it’s impossible not to be around others, such as a busy park or even a packed trailhead, then it can’t hurt. As we’ve pointed out, you can also reduce the need to wear a mask by exercising solo, or only with those from your household. Vowing to ride a or run a few feet apart doesn’t cut it; alone means alone. If you do go it solo and live in a place where you won’t encounter many people, it still may be worth wearing a stretchy neck gaiter that you can pull up over your face for the few encounters you might have out on the road or trails. 

That mask offers a level of safety for those around you that could make a big difference. The best action you can take, of course, is to avoid exercising near others as much as possible. If you can, opt for lower-traffic areas, head out the door early or late, or even consider shorter laps in your neighborhood if that’s the only place you can move without being around more people.

And remember, you should always try to wash your hands after you remove your neck gaiter or facemask to ensure there isn’t any trace of the virus lingering on the mask or yourself. 

When in doubt, play it safe and cover up.