Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
No, You Probably Shouldn't Run With A Face Mask On In A Heatwave

If you've ever tried running in 90-degree weather with a piece of cotton strapped over your mouth, you're probably the kind of person who enjoys high levels of discomfort and maybe a little pain.
The rest of us, though, might not need to torture ourselves.
Today L.A. County Public Health Director, Barbara Ferrer, said that if you’re far away enough from other people, you do not need to cover your face, especially when it's this hot outside.
But proceed with caution. Scientists and public health officials think the six-foot distancing guideline is likely far enough away to keep breath droplets from infecting other people. But that's just an estimate. That's becuase we still don't know how easily this coronavirus can spread through the air.
The World Health Organization says the virus doesn't seem to linger or travel more than 3 feet, but at least one medical expert says it's way too soon to know that.
One thing we do know, though, is that running in extreme heat is not good for your health. That's why Ferrer actually warned against wearing a mask if you’re exerting yourself in this week's heat wave.
"It’s harder to breathe in the heat," Ferrer said in a news conference today, "So we do recommend that if you’re going to be working out and it’s hot, you’re better off not having a face covering over your mouth and your nose."
But again, please proceed with caution and use common sense. If you’re going to come into contact with other people during part of your run, Ferrer says to carry a mask with you and put it on when and if you pass them.
That way you won't suffocate yourself or collapse on the road, when you were just trying to get a little fresh air becuase it's the only thing that's helping you stay sane in this crumbling world. It's a win-win all around.
That being said, it's wise to check your city's particular guidelines. Although Ferrer is speaking on behalf of L.A. County, some cities, like Beverly Hills and Glendale, are requiring masks to be worn whenever you leave your home, including walks and runs.
If you absolutely must run outside during this time, wait until the temperature cools, or try working out at home if you have air conditioning. We know running can help release endorphins and ease anxiety, but if it's going to cause more harm than good given this extreme weather, it might be wise to think about holding off.
More info on mask etiquette and pandemic heatwaves:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?