Due to the CCSD mask mandate that went into effect in early June, students in P.E. classes across Las Vegas now have to wear mask indoors. 

“Sometimes when I’m wearing a mask in the gym it’s harder for them to hear and understand me. They can read my mouth and hear me,” P.E. teacher Rosalie Schmitt said. “The masks have been hard for understanding, knowing who the kids are, and learning names has been rough.”

While students are required to wear masks indoors, they are allowed to remove them when participating in outdoor activities.

“I like how we wear them inside because it’s not hot and I’m not out of breath,” sophomore Tanya Selectaj said. “I feel more safe inside, but outside we definitely need to take them off especially during this heat. It might not be that bad when it cools down, but for sure right now. I don’t feel worried about contracting COVID while being outside since we’re distanced.”

Though the pandemic has put a halt on some aspects of P.E., sports such as volleyball and flag football are still being enjoyed by some of the students. 

 “So far I was inside for one game and I couldn’t tell I was wearing a mask since there wasn’t a lot of activity,” Selectaj said. “I think it’s totally fine to wear masks inside while playing. [I feel] more safe since we’re so close together when changing.”

Because of the limitations of having to wear masks, some students feel that it affects their game performance.

“During the mile the mask make me feel dizzy and lightheaded. It makes it really hard to breathe and sometimes it makes my outfits ugly,” sophomore Kyla Rodriguez said. “I don’t like how I can’t talk very loud in my mask and people can’t see my face.”

Although students have mixed feelings on the mask mandate, many are glad to be in-person for P.E.

“They haven’t really made me different, I don’t mind them. They made me aware of how close I am to people and what could happen if we weren’t wearing them,” sophomore Mackenzie Galacgac said. “I’m more comfortable with wearing masks inside.”