I’m not much of an outdoor runner, but with fewer exercise
options right now, I’ve taken to it a bit more. One thing that’s been on
my mind is whether the general social distancing guideline of 6 feet is
really enough for runners and walkers to stay safe.
When in the same room as someone else, standing around and
talking, even if someone coughs or sneezes, research shows us that virus
from an infected person could travel up to 6 feet away. That’s where
the social distancing recommendations come from.
But what about when you’re outside exercising – is 6 feet
enough space to steer clear of virus sprayed from walkers, runners, and
bikers passing by?
A group of Dutch and Belgian researchers have started looking
into that question. Using simulations, they evaluated the slipstream of
walkers, runners, and bikers. That’s the trail of saliva, potentially
filled with virus, they leave behind. When a fellow walker, runner, or
biker breathes, sneezes or coughs, particles stay behind, creating a
cloud of droplets.
According to these researchers, the level of risk could
depend on where you are in relation to the other person. They believe
that the risk is greatest when you’re directly behind someone – less so
if you’re running side-by-side or behind and diagonal. The bottom line,
according to these researchers, is that 6 feet may not be enough since
you could run, walk, or bike through someone’s slipstream of virus
before it lands to the ground.
Based on their estimates, if you’re walking behind someone,
you should be at least 12 to 15 feet away. For running and slow biking,
keep at least 30 feet between you and them, and for hard biking at least
60 feet.
Even though these researchers make a case that more distance
is better, we can’t say for sure based on these findings. However, until
we have strong evidence either way, I’ll keep practicing the “why not,
can’t hurt” philosophy and put as much space as possible between others
and me.
When I go out for a run, I treat it like a bit of an obstacle
course. Other people are the obstacles. I’m not satisfied with 6 feet.
If I see I’m likely to pass another runner, I cross the street (safely
of course) to keep plenty of space between me and others. As important
as social distancing is, the extra effort seems worth it.
Bladder Cancer Signs. Treating PMBCL. Colon Cancer Foods.
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