How safe are outdoor gatherings during coronavirus? While outdoor gatherings are statistically safer than indoor gatherings, there are also risks associated w/ particular outdoor gatherings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in different ways. There are 25,638,230 confirmed cases globally, according to Worldometer. Many countries imposed cessations and lockdowns in a bid to control the spread of the virus. But, they have started easing some of these restrictions. But, many people are still concerned about the safety of outdoor events. Read on to learn about how safe outdoor gatherings are now.
Which Is safer; Outdoor Gatherings or Indoor Meetings?
Many people from all over the world are concerned about Coronavirus food safety as the health crisis continues. Erin Bromage, a Professor at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, believes that indoor meetings are riskier than outdoor gatherings.
Some studies show that the chances of contracting the Coronavirus indoors are 20 times higher than when outside. For example, one out of 7,000 confirmed cases in China resulted from outdoor transmission. Julian Tang, a University of Leicester virologist, stated that the Coronavirus is less concentrated in large open spaces than in congested areas.
How to Keep Outdoor Gatherings Safe
You can take certain measures to hold a safe outdoor meeting with family and friends. Ensure that they maintain physical distance from each other. Health experts recommend keeping a distance of six feet from the next person. Joseph Allen. The Healthy Buildings program director at Harvard T.H. said that while 6ft is good, 10 feet distance is even better.
Do not serve alcohol in the event or allow people to carry drinks. As the host, you have to provide dishware, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. Each attendee should wear a face mask, especially when having close conversations with each other. Provide everyone with glasses and bowls to prevent them from sharing. You can do takeout and instruct the attendants to pack food in equal plastic containers.
Elizabeth Connick, a professor of medicine and immunobiology at the University of Arizona, recommends inviting a few guests who have been self-isolating for a week or two. Avoid people who are addicted to alcohol as everyone needs to be sober to follow the given safety guidelines. Consider the infection rate in your community when planning the outdoor gathering. Do not invite people whose neighborhoods have a high rate of more than 5 percent.
Outdoor Gatherings Pose Certain Risks
Outdoor events have some risks. For instance, nine Coronavirus cases in Rockland County, New York are linked to outdoor gatherings. The types of interactions that take place in these gatherings determine the transmission rate. If loud music is played in a gathering, attendees will be forced to stand close and talk louder. Thus, increasing the risk of transmission. It is tricky for hosts to keep physical distance in large gatherings. Moreover, it increases the likelihood of inviting infected people.
Many people are eager to meet with families and friends. But, some countries are linking the rise in Coronavirus cases to outdoor events. They have banned outdoor gatherings to prevent the virus from spreading. Outdoor gatherings are safe if they are held in vast open spaces and attendees maintain social distance. Also, they need to wear facemasks to avoid contracting the Coronavirus. You can engage in low-risk outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, running, and walking.
