The short answer is YES, but since we’ve been getting a lot of questions recently we thought we’d use the bodē blog to set the record straight.
DO MASKS REALLY WORK?
Since last February there has been a lot of confusion and misinformation about the importance of masks, but at this point the data is clear — proper mask usage minimizes the spread of COVID-19. Surprisingly, what type of mask you wear matters less than consistency. N95 masks offer the best protection, but the government has continually asked that those be reserved for front-line workers. That leaves a couple of options for the rest of us: surgical masks, which are loose -fitting and disposable, and cloth masks, preferably multi-layered. The goal with each of these is to trap respiratory droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs, or sneezes. They also protect the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others.
** Please note that due to New York State guidelines, gaiters and masks with vents can not be worn in any fitness facility.
The key, of course, is consistency. Make sure you’re wearing the mask properly (all the way up over your nose), and that you’re washing those cloth masks after every use. The Mayo Clinic offers a wealth of knowledge on the subject. You can read more by CLICKING HERE.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK WHEN I PRACTICE?
Back in October we launched our Self-Practice Sessions as a way of helping our practitioners return to the hot room. While the City of New York allowed gyms and other fitness clubs to reopen at 25% capacity, “indoor group fitness” was left out in the cold. Nearly a year after the mandated shutdown of all non-essential businesses, yoga studios and other boutique fitness brands here in NYC are still not allowed to resume “indoor group fitness” classes.
This has been devastating to our business, forcing us to make very difficult decisions. We introduced Self-Practice as a way of working with the guidelines to keep our business afloat. The question we get most often is this: “Do I have to wear a mask when I practice?”
The answer is yes. New York State is requiring all gym members to wear their masks while they work out; we are simply following that mandate. While we have upgraded our ventilation systems and are limiting the capacity in the studios, we are continuing to follow the science. The CDC, WHO, and NIH all agree that masks work.
We’ve found that lightweight surgical masks offer the best ventilation for Self-Practice. I myself have tested a couple of different mask options, and found the disposal surgical mask so lightweight that I forgot all about it by the second set of Awkward Pose. WHAT IF I’M THE ONLY ONE PRACTICING?
There are occasions when a Self-Practice slot doesn’t fill up, and there’s just one person alone in the room. Several people have asked whether they still need to wear their masks in that instance. It makes sense, right? We wear masks to protect against contact with others. But the answer again is YES. Masks need to be worn the entire time when you’re at the studios. We have to protect our staff who have the difficult job of cleaning studio surfaces throughout the duration of their shift.
WHEN WILL THE STUDIOS RETURN TO “NORMAL”?
Most people agree that it will be a long time until the studios start to feel “normal” again. As we mentioned earlier, “indoor group fitness classes” are still not allowed, and there’s no way of knowing when Mayor DiBlasio will lift those restrictions. We’re assuming that when we do finally get the green light, some restrictions will continue to stay in place. Inevitably that will mean reduced class sizes and mask mandates.
We can not wait to welcome all of you back to the studios, but we have to assume that masks will be a part of our lives for a little while longer. How long? It’s impossible to know. But we are committed to the safety of our clients, instructors, and staff… and so we’ll stay vigilant for as long as needed.
WHAT IF I ALREADY GOT THE VACCINE?
We are listening carefully to what the experts say, and following the guidelines put out by the State of New York. As many of you know the vaccine is administered in two shots, and is deemed effective just weeks after that second shot. This is great news. The data has shown that the approved vaccines are all working better than anyone could have anticipated. Hospitalizations are down and the vaccine seems to stave off serious illness.
But while the vaccine softens cases for those people, they can still be a carrier of the virus. Simply put, that means that vaccinated individuals can still spread COVID-19 to others. Until there is data showing otherwise, we have to proceed with caution. All practitioners visiting our studios will be required to wear masks for the duration of their practice. The World Health Organization hosted an interview with Dr. Katherine O’Brien just a few weeks back and you can LISTEN HERE.
After nearly a year of dealing with this pandemic, we’re finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re asking all of you to stay vigilant in keeping our community safe. Wear a mask and please maintain social distancing while at the studios. Do that and we will be back in the studio before we know it. If you have further questions, you can reach out via the Contact Page, or to book a Self-Practice Session, you can CLICK HERE.
“I have never noticed the mask to be a problem! Just thankful to be there!” – Kori Mallett