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All over the world, the authorities are closing down parks and trails—but that's unsustainable, counterproductive and probably even harmful. Instead, we should adapt to the pandemic and retool them for social-distancing. My new piece on why and how. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/04/closing-parks-ineffective-pandemic-theater/609580/
The idea that people won't comply even if we make it easy and possible is unfounded. Besides, a lot of transmission occurs indoors! Keeping people indoors for too long will have many negative health consequences including reduced immunity—very high cost. https://twitter.com/Schenck/status/1247549290987356161
Folks, please check the evidence! The value of outdoors in fighting pandemics/infections is so strong that there are peer-reviewed papers recommending that we *encourage* people to spend more time outdoors during the next pandemic (this one!)! We just need to do it sensibly.
I get it. We're all anxious. Plus, authorities are swinging from underreaction ("carry on, worry about the flu) to wrong advice ("masks don't help") to non-evidence based overreaction ("close all the parks"). But we need evidence-based, sustainable policies—not pandemic theater.
Yep. I discuss exactly this in the piece. Many reports like this. Instead of having sensible guidelines for congestion and ways to increase space, authorities do anxiety-driven pandemic theater that focuses on optics rather than risk management or health. https://twitter.com/axleyjc/status/1247564584279396354
That alleged "sunlight quackery peddler who was referenced in a medium article... pulled down for misinformation" is in fact a peer-reviewed publication in one of the premier scientific journals of public health in the world. Also not a bro! But carry on. https://twitter.com/ijessesmith/status/1247569122713415680
Now, this is a random person's incorrect opinion. As I argue in the piece, outdoors, exercise and fresh air are not luxuries, but essential to health and immunity. Still striking how many authorities don't seem to include that fact in their calculations. https://twitter.com/retrophit/status/1247609011735846912
I do actually agree, and mention in the piece that we should consider opening up streets to pedestrians along with congestion management techniques—especially if park/lawn space is limited in a given locale. https://twitter.com/blerchance/status/1247611326748336131
If it were just a few weeks, sure. But time to face reality, folks. It's already been more than a month in some places. It's going to be many more weeks, perhaps many more months, and perhaps a year—on and off. Need evidence-based, sustainable policies. https://twitter.com/lalawolfi/status/1247613531869941761
Anyone who thinks the epidemiology of a pandemic is somehow independent of the sociology of it is going to be, well, in for a surprise. All claims are linked to peer-reviewed public health and epidemiology articles. Thank you for the vote of confidence! https://twitter.com/JackMonowitz/status/1247619805009641472
"What about playgrounds?" "What if it's too crowded?" "We can stay home for a few weeks."
I need a "read the piece" bot.
I need a "read the piece" bot.
