We strongly recommend the removal of all mask mandates for tennis in Massachusetts. We encourage Governor Baker to act immediately to remove all mask mandates for tennis and would fully support such action.

Tennis has been deemed a low risk activity and there is no evidence that tennis spreads Covid whether being played indoors or outdoors.

Currently a mask is not required for singles tennis but is required for doubles tennis. This makes no sense as a tennis court has 7,200 sq. feet of space which means 1,800 sq. feet of space per person when playing doubles. An indoor court with a 25'-30' ceiling has approximately 175,000 cubic feet of space which mean 43,750 cubic feet per person when playing doubles.

Furthermore, the Covid virus is destroyed when exposed to UV light (sun light) so there is virtually no chance of spreading Covid outdoors for any activity. This is especially true when it comes to tennis which provides 1,800 sq feet per person when playing doubles.

Prolonged mask-wearing during exercise is also detrimental to a person's ability to breath and harmful to their overall health. Masks also become "germ sponges" when they become saturated which is more harmful than not wearing a mask during prolonged exercise.

Those wanting to wear a mask can still do but everyone should be allowed to decided for themselves. New Hampshire has lifted all mask mandates in their state so Massachusetts should begin to follow suit.

Please sign this petition so we can tell Governor Baker to lift all mask mandates when playing tennis. Hopefully this will be the first step where the mask mandate will be lifted on many other activities.