In some countries, once fully vaccinated, people have a choice whether or not to wear a mask in most settings including the gym; many choose to wear masks.
In Guyana, if you are fully vaccinated and are around people with the same inoculation status, you are still required to mask up. During this week, I read that only vaccinated staff and gym goers are allowed to visit gyms and fitness centres according to the newly updated COVID-19 measures that took effect from September 1.
This measure has been implemented in several countries where mask wearing is a choice in the gym setting. The same cannot be said for here even though the gyms still operate at 50% capacity.
In a column earlier this year, I asked the question why can’t fully vaccinated persons be exempted from wearing a mask while working out since it is difficult to exercise while your breathing is restricted by a mask. At that time, I was told that gym goers cannot be allowed to shed the mask at gyms because all the persons attending the gym were not vaccinated. Now with the new mandate, mask wearing still firmly remains at the gyms here.
I have argued that gyms, which are beholden to the different laws enacted to fight the coronavirus, typically should make the choice of wearing a mask up to the individual exerciser as long as there is authentic proof that the person is inoculated.
Myself and others have asked why is it that despite everyone at the gym being vaccinated, there is still a mask mandate to workout? I am requesting that the decision makers take a closer look at mask mandates in gyms.
Shedding face coverings would be welcomed by gym goers and athletes who struggle to workout with masks. Allowing persons who are fully vaccinated to go mask-free indoors may help persuade others to take the free jab.
Let me make it clear as I have said before, I have no problem wearing a mask or social distancing or observing any measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, during high intensity exercises at the gym, it is quite annoying that I am policed to always have the mask on above my nose.
I simply cannot wait to lift and sweat again without the uncomfortable restriction of a mask.
