Should I Wear a Mask While Walking My Dog?

Depending on where you live, there are different rules for wearing a mask. In areas that are currently under lockdown, more strict rules are in place. Wearing a mask is necessary for lockdown areas when there is a pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has been declared as such, and it is crucial to make sure you are prepared for this type of emergency. But do you need to wear one when walking your dog?

Technically you are allowed to not wear a mask when doing exercise, so you can likely get away with walking your dog without a mask. But when you see it on the news that a Sydney dog walker was fined $500 for not wearing a mask as his exercise “was not strenuous enough”, you have to admit, it is a bit confusing.

Why Is It Important to Wear a Mask When Walking Your Dog?

For this reason as well as obvious health safety reasons, it is advisable to wear a mask while walking your dog in lockdown areas. Masks will guard you against the Covid-19 virus. The mask will cover your face, which is the main source of germs when you are outside or in public areas. The Covid-19 virus has been proven to spread easily and quickly through coughing and sneezing and even talking, so it is advisable just to err on the side of caution.

For less populated areas, where you are unlikely to see people, it is also a good idea to take a mask with you. You just never know what neighbour you might run in to and you want to stop and talk.

But in saying that, you probably don’t need to go overboard with your mask selection, unless you are walking through a crowded city. Just a simple 3 layer cloth mask or a disposable surgical mask like these from Paragon will provide you adequate protection. You’re not going into a covid clinic in the hospital, so chances are you don’t need to equip yourself with the highest grade of N95 or P2 mask.

When walking, be sure to socially distance yourself from others and use frequent handwashing for additional protection in outdoor settings.

Face Mask Rules

As at 2 November 2021, according to the NSW Government site, all people in NSW over the age of 12 will be required to wear a face mask:  

• In a home business, in an indoor area of premises other than a place of residence, or on private property for residential dwellings
• At a public transport waiting area, 
• While using public transportation
• Working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with the public

Other instances require the use of facemasks if there are specific exemptions in some situations. Refer to the NSW Government site for more details.

Conclusion

Masks are a necessity for lockdown areas when there is an emergency. The Covid-19 pandemic has been declared as such, and it is crucial to make sure you are prepared for this type of situation. 

Wearing the mask will help protect you from germs and airborne contaminants that could be present in these types of situations. It is imperative to protect yourself while in a lockdown area. Wearing a facemask will guard against Covid-19 and other illnesses.