This is how masks protect us from the coronavirus 3:43
(CNN) -
Wearing face masks and maintaining other safety precautions is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus when doing group exercise indoors like gyms, according to two new reports released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC, for its acronym in English).
The two studies, released Wednesday, link covid-19 outbreaks over the summer with exercise facilities in Chicago and Honolulu.
In the Chicago report, 60% of people who attended face-to-face
fitness
classes
at a facility between Aug. 24 and Sept. 1 tested positive for COVID-19.
Another 7% of the attendees reported symptoms consistent with the disease.
While some mitigation measures were put in place - including temperature checks and required symptom screenings upon entry - attendees were allowed to remove their masks while exercising, according to the report.
Classes in the gym without a mask vs.
mask classes: what happens?
In Honolulu, 21 cases were linked to a
fitness
instructor
who tested positive for COVID-19 on July 1.
About two days before experiencing symptoms, the
fitness
instructor
led a yoga class for 27 people in which he wore a mask.
No cases of covid-19 were reported among these participants.
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A few hours before the onset of symptoms, the same instructor led a class with stationary bicycles for 10 people.
None of them wore a mask.
All participants tested positive for COVID-19 afterward, including a second
fitness
instructor
linked to additional cases.
According to the first report, "the increased respiratory effort that occurs in the enclosed spaces of indoor exercise facilities facilitates transmission" of the virus.
Gyms must reduce class sizes and require physical distancing.
In addition, even when there is a distance of two meters, the CDC recommends the use of masks to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus.
The agency also says the facilities should improve ventilation.
In addition, they encourage clients and gym personnel to follow the proper quarantine and isolation protocol after a possible exposure to the coronavirus or in the face of the appearance of symptoms.
face mask
