Health Protection Agency’s epidemiologist Dr Ibrahim Afzal has stated that it is not recommended for the elderly to wear masks while being out for walks and exercise.
The government has relieved some lockdown measures imposed on the capital Male’. As such, older adults are now allowed to go for walks in the early morning.
In a news brief held by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Sunday night, Dr Afzal said some complications may occur for older adults while exercising with masks. Noting that it is not advisable for people having respiratory illnesses to wear masks, the doctor said the added exertion from exercise may hinder the body's oxygen supply. While COVID-19 is not an airborne disease and is transmitted through coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others, wearing a mask during exercise is not required, and it is better to keep at least 3 feet distance with others, said the doctor.
Dr Afzal said older people are sometimes accompanied by others during their walks or exercises, and the required physical distance is not practiced. Sometimes small children also accompany them, added Afzal. While such actions are not recommended and are unsafe practices, the right course of action is for the elderly to go out for walks and make the best use of the opportunity that has been provided, said the doctor.
Some elderly people walking in capital Male'
