Recommendations for Face Coverings While Exercising During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Global guidelines exist for face coverings to reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.
• Clear guidelines for exercise and sports during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking.
• Existing recommendations focus on healthcare professionals and general populations in enclosed spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose recommendations for face covering use during exercise and sports activities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To address the need for specific guidance considering physical distancing, environment, and sport-specific transmission risks.
• To reduce potential viral transmission during physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Developing recommendations based on limited evidence and collective clinical experience.
• Considering the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 presence in the general population.
• Integrating factors like physical distancing, environmental risk, and sport density.

Main Results:

• Face coverings are recommended in high or moderate transmission risk environments, provided they are tolerated and after individual risk assessment.
• Recommendations emphasize adapting to fluctuating national caseloads.
• Individual sporting bodies should update face covering guidance alongside other preventative measures.

Conclusions:

• Face coverings are advised for exercise in environments with moderate to high SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk.
• Individual risk assessment and tolerance are crucial for implementing face covering recommendations.
• Dynamic updates by sporting bodies are essential to align with evolving public health guidance during the pandemic.