After almost two months of being cooped up at home due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), enforced since March 18, it must surely be exciting to be able to conduct leisure and sports activities outdoor following the relaxation of the order by the government.
But, until the authorities find a vaccine for Covid-19, it looks like everyone will have to adopt the new normal to help curb the spread of the virus.
The government, having flattened the curve of the virus infection through the MCO, introduced the Conditional MCO (CMCO) on May 4, with some flexibility for non-contact sports and exercise activities like running, badminton, cycling and golf.
National Sports Institute (NSI) sports medicine expert Dr Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme believes it's the right move, saying fitness activities could boost body immunity and, by adhering to the stipulated SOP, will also help to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.
He, however, stressed that there were a few things that the public needed to be wary of when exercising or training outdoor.
"If you are doing outdoor leisure activities, avoid crowded places, do it on your own or in a small group. Practice personal hygiene before and after exercising and try to avoid touching exercise equipment at public recreational parks.
"When running or jogging, always ensure you do not run too close to another person. Also, head home straight after that and take a bath," said Dr Jazmiza, who is the national women's football team doctor.
The former national rugby player also suggested that a social distance of between three metres and 10 metres be adopted during physical activities.
"If you are still worried about being infected, then it's best to exercise at home," he explained.
Meanwhile, PJ City FC striker Safee Sali advised the public not to take their health lightly and to comply with the social distancing rules when doing outdoor training, saying "prevention is still better than cure."
The 36-year-old former international noted that it was also possible for one to be emotionally affected by the MCO and CMCO, which is a new experience for everyone.
"So, apart from just exercising at home, I also try to create a healthy and positive atmosphere by spending time with my family and doing physical activities together. This keeps us in a positive mood," he said. --Bernama