BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Runners and cyclists in Boston must wear face coverings while outside exercising during the coronavirus pandemic.
At a press conference outside Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the advisory to wear face coverings while out in public extends to everyone, at all times.
"I want to send a special message to runners and cyclists," said Mayor Walsh. "Even though you're exercising, you need to be wearing a face covering when you're out exercising."
Mayor Walsh said the issue was brought to his attention last night during his conference calls with several different Boston neighborhood organizations.
"I can't tell you how many runners and bikers I see breathing heavily and blowing right past people with no face covering. This is not considerate to the people around you, and I understand why it's making people angry," said Walsh. "It's sending the message that you're not necessarily concerned about them and the community. I know you are, and to be clear, if you don't... know if you're infected or not, you can be passing the virus to other people."
Walsh said despite it being "an inconvenience" to those exercising, wearing a face mask is a precaution everyone in Boston should be taking anytime they leave their home.
"If you're far enough from other people you can pull it down under your chin for a while, that's fine," said Walsh. "But you must have it on, covering your nose and mouth when you're anywhere near other people as you're passing. The more people who do it, the fewer infections we get."
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