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I get what they are going for here and it is a good demonstration of the level of distancing that is deemed safe but it's missing a few key points we need to consider when walking outdoors. https://twitter.com/theurbangeog/status/1249692793821433856
1. Time of interaction.
When you're passing someone on a sidewalk, it's not the same as hanging out with them. You literally are within their 2m (if neither of you gives way) for a few seconds.
Is it enough to catch a virus? Technically, yes. But its very low probability.
When you're passing someone on a sidewalk, it's not the same as hanging out with them. You literally are within their 2m (if neither of you gives way) for a few seconds.
Is it enough to catch a virus? Technically, yes. But its very low probability.
2. Airflow.
A lot of the reasons we talk about not interacting and closed down a lot of businesses is due to to indoor stagnant air. The risk of aerosol transmission is been studied and is becoming a massive risk (hence movement to masks for all). But key is "indoors".
A lot of the reasons we talk about not interacting and closed down a lot of businesses is due to to indoor stagnant air. The risk of aerosol transmission is been studied and is becoming a massive risk (hence movement to masks for all). But key is "indoors".
Indoors, air flow (especially in cold months) is low. Things hang in the air. The virus will linger.
Outdoors, air flow is constant. Even if one sneezes at you, a gust of wind will scatter it. The flu is a bigger risk in winter because we hang out indoors.
Outdoors, air flow is constant. Even if one sneezes at you, a gust of wind will scatter it. The flu is a bigger risk in winter because we hang out indoors.
Again, is there still a risk. Yes. But again, it is very low when the air is moving.
3. Sunlight.
UV light kills viruses. If you're out in even lower sunlight and get coronavirus on you, hanging out in the sun will kill it. Lowering your risk yet again.
UV light kills viruses. If you're out in even lower sunlight and get coronavirus on you, hanging out in the sun will kill it. Lowering your risk yet again.
4. All the other precautions you are taking (because you should be).
Facemasks, gloves, not touching your face, only going out when you have to. These are going to help when you might have to come into a situation where you briefly pass a stranger in the street.
Facemasks, gloves, not touching your face, only going out when you have to. These are going to help when you might have to come into a situation where you briefly pass a stranger in the street.
Personally, closing more streets downtown to traffic to improve the pedestrian experience is a great idea in its own right. Remove the congestion and it's a better place.
Saying that people are at greater risk right now due to the pandemic I think is stretching the truth.
Saying that people are at greater risk right now due to the pandemic I think is stretching the truth.