August 7, 2020

expert comment about beaches and COVID-19

There have been journalists questions regarding COVID-19 transmission and beaches.

Prof Keith Neal, Emeritus Professor of the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Nottingham, said:

“Viruses are probably not very good at surviving in heat – hot, dry conditions may impair virus survival.

“Droplets fall to the ground and aerosols evaporate quickly seriously impairing viral survival.

“Spending more time outside helps social distancing and having doors and windows open helps with ventilation.

“When it comes to going to the beach – if you are social distancing it can be safe.  Photos of beaches can look like overcrowding but they are often actually family groups.

“The bigger risk might be from taking public transport to the beach.  A household sharing a car does not alter risk.

“Also avoiding indoor places such as pubs and restaurants will further reduce any risk.  Eat outside.

“Stay outside but don’t forget the sun cream.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/covid-19

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