Single person driving a car or doing exercise does not have to wear face mask: Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry said that a single person driving a car or a person doing exercise/cycling does not have to wear a mask. However, if there is one or more person in a car or a group of people exercising, then wearing a mask is a must to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan said, "In the last few days, people have gained awareness of the benefits of physical activities. We have seen people are doing cycling and exercise or jogging in groups. It is mandatory for people to wear masks and follow social distancing when they are in a group while exercising or jogging, so that they do not affect each other. If a person is cycling alone, then he does not require to wear a mask as there is no such direction from the health ministry,"  According to the doctors, people can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Also Read | Punjab Government reduces COVID-19 test rates People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to wear a face mask or cover your mouth and practice social distancing. -PTC News