The Big Mistake of not Considering Physical Activity an Essential Element of Care During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In response to the letter to the editor entitled "Declaring physical activity as 'essential' during the Covid-19 pandemic may not be a good measure" 1 that presented contributions to our point of view entitled "Should physical activity be considered essential activity during the Covid-19 pandemic?" 2 we thank you for the suggestions and we present a reply letter with our arguments:Although the benefits of physical activity for the cardiovascular, metabolic, immune systems, as well as for mental health are very well documented in the literature, 3,4,5 the discussion about physical activity is considered essential during the new coronavirus pandemic remains with different positions on the part of the researchers. The main source of disagreement seems to be about the greater probability of infection when practicing physical activity in open environments or in fitness centers, a fact that lacks scientific proof. The study cited by the COVID-