To Mask Or Unmask

- Blaine Bruton|April 22, 2021

| S. Oglesby

There is a brewing controversy as to whether or not we should still be wearing masks when outdoors.  Many top health experts say the guidelines haven’t changed; outdoor gatherings are far safer than indoor gatherings.  However, wearing a mask outside depends on the circumstances, one of which is the local rule.  High school sports venues that are held outdoors seem to fluctuate as to mask requirements.  For the most part, many people do not have to fear being unmasked outdoors, especially now that at least half of the adult population has been vaccinated.  Brief encounters outdoors offer minimal risks, such as passing a jogger on a hiking trail.  But what about sports venues?  If you’re ever in doubt, refer to the following graphic to determine if you should have your mask when outside.

Dr. Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, uses the 2-out-of-3 Rule. (| NYT)
Dr. Marr uses a simple two-out-of-three rule for deciding when to wear a mask. In every situation, she makes sure she’s meeting two out of three conditions: outdoors, distanced and masked. (| NYT)