Our governor in Michigan gave a new executive order this past Thursday night that allowed HS football to return to the state of Michigan, as well as indoor volleyball, swim meets, and outdoor soccer to be played, with limitations, within the entire state (previously only allowed up north.)
One stipulation is that ALL organized sport participants, while on the field of play, MUST wear a facial covering except when swimming. Our state athletic association has told its ADs and coaches that this means masks at ALL times for ALL sports, except for swimmers. Many XC coaches are in a tizzy over whether to require their athletes to wear a mask while training running 6 milers, or doing repeat 800s this coming week, let alone race a 5K all the while wearing a mask.
Running community, what do you think? I'm all for mask wearing in public to help prevent Covid spread, but if my government says it's too dangerous for 70 kids (max race size in Michigan this year) to race a 5K together without each participant wearing a mask, then I think it's probably just too dangerous to race in the first place.
We've already had 2 weeks worth of competition in our state with no or very limited spectators allowed, masks required at all times for athletes and fans, and masks worn by athletes up until the start line. Everything has gone smoothly. Keeping masks on for an entire race is a step too far.
Don't give me Galen Rupp stories, my little sophomore with asthma is no Galen Rupp, and we can't afford a mask like his for each of my team members. Plus even Rupp pulled his mask off at the end.