Studies on the effects of wearing masks have shown there is no change in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels when people wear cloth and surgical masks while resting and exercising. The studies included healthy hospital workers, older adults, and adults with COPD. Although sometimes uncomfortable, masks were found to be safe even when exercising. 

Masks are a critical step to help prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19. A cloth mask offers some protection to you as well as protecting those around you. Wear a mask and take every day preventive actions in public settings and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people.

• CDC recommends that people age 2 and older should wear masks in public. Masks should NOT be worn by children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
• Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially if indoors around people who don’t live with you.
• If someone in your household is infected, people in the household should take precautions including wearing masks to avoid transmission to others.

Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and