Experts say there are ways to stay cool while wearing a mask

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With this week looking to be one of the hottest of the year in Mid-Missouri, it's important that those in Columbia stay cool, as the first full week of the city wide mask ordinance takes effect.

While wearing a mask outdoors, it's important to be aware of how you, and others around you are feeling.

Christopher Sampson, an emergency physician at MU Health Care said that wearing a mask doesn't really change the danger of extreme heat, with the risk still being heat exhaustion or stroke.

Some of the signs he said to look out for are extreme fatigue and rapid heart rate.

There are many, easy precautions you can take to make sure you're staying comfortable in the heat. Making sure to have plenty of water on hand, taking a break and finding shade if you ever feel yourself getting hot or tired, and bringing wet rags or washclothes can all be helpful in keeping cool.

There are many places outdoors where you'll actually be able to take the mask off, however.

Those include anytime you're able to maintain a distance of six feet while outside, while exercising outside if distance can be maintained, and while eating at a restaurant outside.