Gyms Exempt From Mayor’s Mask Ordinance

There are several reasons in the Mayor's mask ordinance for exemption from wearing a mask. Looking into the list, some of them make perfect sense, such as Persons in outdoor or unenclosed areas adjacent or appurtenant to businesses, establishments, public places, or governmental facilities while social distancing of at least six feet is possible and being observed", or "Children under two years of age and any child while under the custody of a licensed childcare facility, including daycare centers".

One part of the ordinance caught my attention. It reads "Individuals while actively engaged in exercise and maintaining social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines;". This is basically saying that you're supposed to go into a gym wearing a mask, but as soon as you're engaged in exercise, the mask can come off.

Also in the exemption, applies to right here where I work at the radio station. It reads, "Persons who are alone in individual office or business spaces such that no person is within six (6) feet more than momentarily;". That means for us, that we must wear a mask out in the hallways while we're getting coffee, walking to a different studio, or going to the restroom, but as soon as I'm safe here in the studio, the mask can come off, as long as social distancing is being practiced.

In the coming days, I hope that some clarification will come, and some of these orders will be a bit less confusing. Until then, let us just mask-up, and take care of our local businesses. Nobody wants to see our neighbor's hard-earned living put in jeopardy because they had their water turned off.