SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy just gave the grim news to residents of New Jersey in a segment on NBC’s Today Show. Mask up buttercups, because the sheriff just declared we all have to start wearing face masks in public. He said he will formally make his declaration later today.
“They’ve been strongly recommended outdoors, we’re going to turn that up a notch today,” he said. “If you can’t socially distance, it’s going to be required.”
But does Murphy’s latest law have any teeth?
Facemasks are medical devices and to many with underlying illnesses, they could actually pose a danger.
According to the Center for Disease Control, children younger than 2 years old should not wear face masks. People who have trouble breathing, those with asthma, COPD and other lung ailments also should be cautious about wearing face masks.
The CDC also strongly warns against wearing wet or damp face masks as they hinder your ability to breathe. On hot and humid days, facemasks can become quickly saturated with sweat.
“People should not wear cloth face coverings while engaged in activities that may cause the cloth face covering to become wet, like when swimming at the beach or pool. A wet cloth face covering may make it difficult to breathe. For activities like swimming, it is particularly important to maintain physical distance from others when in the water,” the CDC says.
People who are engaged in high-intensity activities, like running, may not be able to wear a cloth face covering if it causes difficulty breathing, according to the CDC.