FanPost

For the season to continue, Mask's need Stricter Enforcement

My biggest disappointment over the weekend was the way in which mask usage was poorly enforced, sometimes completely ignored, and ultimately not really discussed during the broadcasts. I'm not sure what is being discussed behind closed doors at MLB, but one thing is for certain: they need to clean up their act as it relates to masks.

Players Should Play in Face Masks

I know they won't like it. I know they'll complain. I know some people will say that I'm overreacting. But the bottom line is this: even with other protections in place, members of the Miami Marlins, the Cincinnati Reds, and other organizations became exposed and infected with COVID-19. That was inevitable, and will continue to happen unless the league goes into a hyper locked down NBA style bubble. Short of that, if every player was in a mask throughout their time in the stadium, that would work to slow the spread through an organization when someone is positive for the disease, but is not yet exhibiting symptoms.

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The CDC Says Maintain Social Distance and Where a Mask

The mask is designed to protect others from you. Not you from others. If these asymptomatic players had been wearing masks, it would have worked to limit the spread of the disease in these situations where maintaining social distancing is not possible. And these players need more than 6 feet of social distance - the athletic endeavor which they are undertaking means they are aspirating at a higher rate. Higher rates of aspiration means a higher and more widespread viral load coming from their mouths. A viral load that could be inhibited through the use of a mask.

MLB Can (and should) Continue, but they need to clean up their act

The news of the Marlin's outbreak should serve as a wakeup call that the current protocols aren't enough. Masks are one way that MLB can quickly and easily tighten up their protocols, protect players and staff, and continue the 2020 season.

Alex S. Freeman is the co-host of the Michigan & Trumbull podcast. You can get it wherever you get your podcasts here.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.