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Covid-19 mask rule ‘risky’ for intense exercise, says ‘puzzled’ Hong Kong sports medicine chief
- Government has reopened sports facilities as local infections fall, but told people to wear masks during exercise
- No proof that playing football will spread Covid-19, and wearing masks for sports such as tennis is ‘just unbelievable’, says president of sports science body
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A Hong Kong sports medicine expert has warned of risks posed by wearing surgical masks during high-intensity exercise, after the city’s government reopened leisure facilities but insisted that masks still be worn.
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With the city’s Covid-19 infection numbers easing, sports premises – which had been shut down by the government since January – were on Thursday allowed to reopen. But people using them were told to follow strict rules on social distancing, vaccination and the continued wearing of masks during sporting activities.
“If people are performing high-intensity team sports such as football and rugby with their masks on, they must stop if they feel uncomfortable or it will become very risky,” said Dr Patrick Yung Shu-hang, president of the Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sports Science.
“I feel puzzled. If the government allows people to go back to the sporting arena, I don’t know why they have to ask people to wear masks.
“In fact, I have never seen any medical document saying people will get infected with Covid-19 because of playing football. I would love to discuss the subject with them if any expert agrees to. Also, playing non-contact sports such as tennis with the two separated players wearing surgical masks is just unbelievable.
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