She said the compliance with mask wearing was spotty at best and people were hanging out on the streets in groups, so she stayed home, even having groceries delivered.

Hard to argue one way or the other so they probably think it’s to much trouble to stop every person not wearing a mask on the sidewalk. Just a hunch.

To my knowledge there is no such exemption.

New York City explicitly states that face coverings are not required while walking, running or biking, if you can keep your distance.

Exercise is not a blanket exemption. You have to keep at least six feet away from others. If the others were at least 6 feet away, I wouldn't complain. But they aren't. They are next to me on the sidewalk.

The level of non-compliance has gotten frightening. Combine that with the influx of tourists from hotspots and I see a rise in COVID numbers in about 10-14 days.

I am so afraid we are going to see a spike in numbers shortly.