In today’s day, following a circular of the Ministry of the Interior and complicit in some inaccurate articles that appeared online, a rumor began to spread that there is a mask requirement for running. Here, according to the news at the time of writing (Oct. 11, 2020, 5:40 p.m.), this is not the case.
Much ado about nothing, one would say to quote good old Shakespeare.
Yes, a lot of noise also related to some articles that appeared online in which-because of sensationalism, levity or inaccuracy-they said you could not run. It was quite emblematic of an article that appeared on Repubblica.it, which first titled “The Viminal: the mask is compulsory even for outdoor motor activity” and shortly after corrected the shot by changing the title to “The Viminal: the mask is compulsory if you walk, but not for outdoor runners.” My (and a great many others’) reaction was a gigantic WTF since, as we had said a few days ago, the regulations were more than clear in their intentions.
Fortunately, Corriere della Sera came along to clarify, with quotes from Prefect Bruno Frattasi, chief of Cabinet of Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese:
“I want to clarify that nothing has changed. The circular was issued to clarify the interpretation of the law. And it was written in agreement with the Ministry of Health on this specific aspect.”
“The circular reiterates that in activities such as running in all its forms, there is no mask requirement. These are sports activities and are therefore exempt, even at the amateur level. Moreover, they provide a 2-meter spacing between people.”
“Motor activity is defined as walking, and in this case the mask is mandatory even for those wearing tracksuits or shorts. But in reality he is only walking.”
So what?
So, for now, nothing changes. The only thing we recommend-which is what we do as well-is to always be patient and not to fall for the sensationalism that, unfortunately, the media are increasingly using to get our attention.
According to early rumors (and still quoting Corriere della Sera), there should be no major changes for those running even in the new rules soon to be approved.
But we will try to keep you updated in a timely manner.
In the meantime, as you see from the main image, we all feel a bit like Captain Picard.