Updates on COVID-19 (Part 5)

By Engr. Edgar Mana-ay

 

At this point in time, it appears that there is a prevailing second wave or even a continuing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (depending on how one look at it) and may last for another 24 months (but hopefully not).

Infections began rising after transitioning from ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) to GCQ (General Community Quarantine) to MGCQ (Modified Community Quarantine). This was exacerbated with the influx of thousands of OFW’s and LSI’s whose entry into the province was not well coordinated.

Since March, the Filipino people are exhausted and worn out because of fear of the virus and the many restrictions imposed upon them by the government. For 6 months now, this author being a senior citizen, is prohibited to exercise at the public plaza, a must to keep me healthy and buildup my immune system against infection by the virus. We cannot put the public under lockdown for a long time, as life must go on.

Most people now feel that the pandemic is NOT bad enough to justify the loss of jobs, permanent and significant changes to their lives to prevent the spread of the virus. This is a dangerous stage in the fight against the virus because public complacency will now seep in. The public has to be continually inspired if not to instill fear on the spread of the pandemic.

The government, therefore, should come up with a better/improved marketing strategy to sell to the public a clear campaign message and easy to follow guidelines, not the type of that stupid rule on motorcycle back riding. For example, it can come up with an appealing message on the wearing of face mask and shield. Instead of commanding “Wear your mask and shield”, rather it should be; “I’m wearing both to protect you. Please protect me too!” The key theme in this campaign is protecting people, heroism and altruism (concern for others). Mask including the face shield should be put on when entering an enclosed space that is not your home and when encountering another person you do not live with and when interacting with them.

After 6 months of experience with COVID-19, things are a little bit clearer now about the pandemic so that it should be easier for the public to comply with rules. It is established that wearing a simple cloth mask in public reduces the spread of the virus by 85%.

In the majority of cases, the virus is most likely spread in an enclosed area where people are interacting with each other. Not at malls or public plaza but rather at parties, restaurants, houses of worship and classrooms where people interact for an extended period.

Regulations can now be adjusted like opening the plazas for walking, to provide respite especially to the elderly. People should now be proud to comply with the rules and people who are not complying are the ones who should feel ashamed.

Then there is this additional burden in the form of a face shield when the wearing of face mask itself is even still a contentious issue with the recent pronouncement of the World Health Organization.

WHO actually advises against wearing of a face mask while working and exercising saying that by doing so; “may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.” Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly, which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of micro-organisms. The important preventive measure during exercise and strenuous work is to maintain a physical distance of at least one meter (6 feet) from others”.

Jaclyn Fulop, a board-licensed physical therapist with over 10 years of clinical practice in sports medicine was interviewed by Fox News on mask-wearing while exercising. Hereunder are the excerpts for the interest of our readers and health officials.

1. Is working out (exercising) in a face mask generally safe?

Working out with a mask is generally safe, especially during low impact exercises like walking or moderate weight lifting. Stationary exercises are more conducive to working out with a mask versus going for a run, running on a treadmill or an intense bike race.

2. What happens to your body when you exercise with your face mask on?

You are ultimately decreasing the flow of air to your lungs, which can be dangerous if you overdo the workout or don’t take enough break. Essentially you are inhaling carbon dioxide due to heavy breaths getting trapped in the mask cloth preventing fresh air from getting in.

3. Are there certain masks to AVOID wearing while exercising?

An N95 mask is made of very heavy material and filter, so when breathing heavily, this will cause breathing restrictions and you may be re-breathing carbon dioxide if it’s trapped under the mask.

4. Can perspiration affect mask safety?

If your mask becomes damp, it can be counterproductive and become permeable to particles, so it’s important to find a mask that will keep moisture away.

5. What can people expect when working out with a face mask?

People can expect to feel exhaustion quicker than they usually do without a face mask. It’s important to listen to the body and if you feel fatigued, take a break and slow your heart rate down with deep breaths. While wearing a mask, your body temperature will increase due to the mask trapping in exhaled air which can lead to exhaustion and overheating.

6. How do you know if you’re getting enough oxygen?

If you’re not getting enough oxygen, you’ll probably start to feel dizzy, light-headed and experience shortness of breath. These are all signs that you should take it slower or take more breaks in your exercise routine.

 

Some comments from the American people on the above article:

a. As the mask becomes damp from heavy exhalation during exercise, the airflow through the fabric and into the mask when you try to inhale becomes hampered, and you start drawing air from the sides. This defeats the purpose of the masks. It also causes your heart and lungs to increasingly labor in excess of what you had planned. This is true even for a brisk walk.

b. Stop being stupid people. Of course, you don’t wear a mask while exercising. 100% of people that exercise should refuse a mask. Those people that came up with this garbage is sick!

 

I leave it to our government to have a clear cut policy on mask-wearing during heavy exercise and strenuous work because of the many doubts it has created. But then Peter Ustinov (1921-2004) said: Beliefs are what divide people. Doubts unite them.