A step in the right direction is always a good thing. Even though the path ahead may be strewn with several obstacles.
Take for example the Cebu City Government’s decision to reopen the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) after shutting it down more than a year ago at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Finally, the public will once again have a place to unwind and shed the weight they’ve gained throughout all this time. After all, haven’t health authorities been saying that exercise will keep the body healthy?
So what if the facility’s management now requires all visitors to wear face masks and face shields at all times while inside. That means their heads will be covered while they walk or jog around the oval track.
Obviously, whoever came up with this idea had in mind the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases back when it was in the dark about Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019. I’d hate to think that after more than 12 months, it would still be floundering in ignorance.
Don’t get me wrong. I know the facility’s management is only after the public’s welfare. I’m glad they’re using some common sense.
I mean, seriously, have you ever tried jogging or running while wearing both face mask and face shield? I’m pretty sure the CCSC doesn’t want to be picking up people who suddenly collapse on the track from lack of oxygen.
They know that face masks get drenched in sweat when the wearer is engaged in some sort of physical activity. I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think it is very healthy to breathe through a sweat-soaked mask. Even if it is, it will still be uncomfortable. Trust me.
As for the face shield, won’t it be blown away by a sudden gust of wind that will appear out of nowhere? You don’t want it falling at the most inopportune time because that will make you stop dead in your tracks and the person behind will end up running into you.
Although, if I have to take a pick I will choose the face shield over the face mask. Every time. At least with the face shield, my breathing will be unhampered.
But enough of my whining. My wish for the oval to be open has been granted. Thank you’s are in order.
Thank you to the City Government, especially to Mayor Edgardo Labella, who, according to my source, approved the reopening of the facility back in November yet.
A special shoutout to Coach Banzon who explained oval etiquette in the new normal. It’s good to know that the CCSC administration has got its head on its shoulders.