Can You Run Outside During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Going outside our homes often can increase our risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Because of this risk, sporting events have been put on hold and your fitness routine as part of your pro cheer audition training is affected as well. Since you probably need to stick with your running routine, you might be wondering if it's okay to do it outside. We'll answer that question in this article.
Can I run outside during the coronavirus pandemic?
The answer is yes - as long as you follow safety precautions and social distancing instructions. Running outside with very few to no people around presents a lower risk of infection than exercising inside the gym where you can be inches away from someone. Imagine doing the treadmill beside a fellow gym-goer who may be carrying the virus.
How to Run Safely Outside During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Follow these tips:
Maintain the recommended personal space when running. This means that while jogging or brisk walking, you should be 6 feet away from a person. So, running in groups or with a partner could be ideal as long as the 6 feet distance is maintained. Running or brisk walking in close clusters is highly discouraged as the spread of the virus will likely happen. Whether a member of the running group is infected or not, the transmission of the disease would be more problematic especially if the infected person is asymptomatic or immunocompromised. If you find yourself approaching a crowded route, it would be best to stop and allow them to pass. Move 6 feet away.
Avoid touching outdoor objects. The virus is known to survive on outdoor surfaces from hours to days but if exposed to direct sunlight, the virus’ lifespan is reduced. Better play it safe by using a glove. If you need to press a button, do it with your elbow. If by any chance you touched a traffic button using your hand, don’t touch your face after. Most importantly, wash your hands with soap or rinse with rubbing alcohol/hand sanitizer.
Wear a training mask. If you feel anxious but still want to head out to run, another option would be wear a training mask.
Disinfect your hands before and after the run. Disinfecting your hands through handwashing before and after a run will eliminate bacteria and viruses. Don’t allow pathogens to live on your skin any longer.
How long does COVID-19 live on clothing?
Medical experts and pathologists are not yet quite sure of the risk of viral transmission from surfaces like clothing. However, the World Health Organization reports that coronaviruses remain on surfaces from a few hours to several days.
In case your clothing gets hit by spit, never touch that area. Change your wear as soon as possible and don’t inhale from that portion. Send that contaminated clothing or fabric to the washer using either a bleach, color-friendly bleach, or white vinegar. Set the temperature of the water and dryer to the highest setting possible. Next, wash your hands thoroughly or better yet, clean yourself entirely with a long bath.
The key to ensuring a lower chance of getting infected while running outdoors is to maintain social distancing. Remember to keep your hands off public surfaces. If you happen to touch them, disinfect your hands right away. Use common sense!