Hard to spread Corvid 19 outside (an OPINION)

Today we left our little village for the first time since early March. We went to our nearest small town to get cash and visit a few shops and businesses.

I wore a mask and disposable gloves. The town was fairly quiet and I didn't see anyone else wearing a mask. I hope that some of the folk who saw me might consider doing the same.

But many of the things that are now being ‘discovered’ about the virus have been touted by Dr John Campbell for weeks/months and he also put up scientific reports to back them up.

I am prepared to accept that terrifyingly little was known about this virus, its effects, its transmission,its treatment, its origins, its “behaviour” in the early weeks and months. Each week however brings the fruits of more research, possibly by trial and error, but that’s how we learn isn’t it? I think that is more valuable than the mathematical “modelling” which has underpinned much of the government’s response and which in some cases has proved fatally flawed. (Foot and mouth, SARS being two examples)
It’s a good enough reason for me, for hunkering down as treatment improves, outcomes are better managed and hopefully we get closer to a vaccine.

Yes Growstuff I read that now the WHO have had to acknowledge the possibility of 'airborne transmission in crowded, closed, poor ventilated settings'. Not that I'll be venturing in any soon but I realise not everybody has a choice. So at least let's have compulsory masks in all indoor settings!

For those who don't like links, here's an extract from the above article:

"There is more than enough evidence of the interpersonal spread of COVID infection via airborne transmission. A recent report of the unfortunate results of a choir practice in Washington State brings this point home. Sixty singers convened for their weekly rehearsal in a semi-rural county where no COVID cases had been previously detected. All reported that they had been in good health that day. Hand sanitizers were provided. The singers were conscious of self-distancing and they avoided ‘the usual hugs and handshakes’. Nobody coughed, sneezed or appeared ill. Nevertheless, within 3 weeks 45 of the singers had been diagnosed with COVID and two had died [10]. This remarkable example of interpersonal ‘super spreading’ is best explained by the enhanced aerosolized transmission that resulted from enthusiastic singing. And the spread to so many, despite distancing, argues that transmission was not due solely to localized droplet dispersion, but more likely to wider dispersion of aerosolized droplet nuclei."

Current research suggests that Covid-19 is partially airborne:

academic.oup.com/occmed/article/doi/10.1093/occmed/kqaa080/5849370

I've always thought this focus on 2 metres outside, people wearing masks outside, etc, is over the top. I have abided by the distancing rules, though, because I can see that some people are very frightened so, if necessary, I cross the road when I go for a walk - though I've noticed most people are much more relaxed about it now.

I do think that there is likely to be an increased risk in being close to large numbers of people, even if it's outside (as has happened on popular beaches).

I have heard so many different explanations of the virus and interpretations of the rules that I have rather lost patience. Like SueDonim I also thought they said originally that the virus was not airborne, which is why I thought it was a bit daft being so obsessed with distancing. Originally they were emphasizing the need to wash your hands and not touch your mouth, eyes and nose because touch was the way the virus was transmitted. If it is airborne then surely spending all day in an enclosed space, such as an open plan office, factory or other indoor workplace, with a number of other people must significantly increase the risk?

I'm OK with my own company but there is a limit! I do like getting together with friends and family and I've really had enough of all this. At some point we have to get back to a degree of normality, even if it means accepting a degree of risk. How can restaurants, cafes, entertainment complexes, etc, etc, function profitably if only half, or less, of their customers are allowed in?

On the other hand, perhaps we need to have a re-think about how many eating, shopping, and entertainment outlets we really need, and instead labour can be re-directed to more important issues that help produce healthy food in the most environmentally friendly way, save resources, reduce pollution and just generally protect the planet.

I watched this weeks ago and found it very interesting. Took me ages to find it again. The droplets do carry the virus BUT are carried away by airflow, hence needing to leave windows open.

petapixel.com/2020/04/03/scientists-use-high-sensitivity-camera-to-capture-microdroplets-that-may-transmit-virus/

Having said that, I have also watched a video showing droplets carried in the slipstream of someone walking/running. Best avoided.

I thought it was droplet-borne. If it’s airborne - we’re all going to get it.

Ellan hopefully not otherwise we shouldn't even open windows!

I was thinking something very similar myself today BlueSky. I prefer my own company to that of others.

I don't think outdoor air is safe at all. This pandemic is airborne.

This social distancing suits me anyway. Even before Covid I used to recoil in horror when people got close or sat next to me. I'll keep it two meters thanks!

Absolutely MayBee. I shy away in horror when people come too close to me.

If young people at the protests could be largely asymptomatic then it will take the time for their older relatives/contacts to incubate the virus and then become ill/hospitalised for the numbers to increase. So, although it’s obviously safer outdoors I’m still going to be careful. And I still want people that pass me on the pavement be they walking, jogging or cycling to social distance themselves from me. Which they don’t, alas, do.

Urmstongran

What’s debauched about hairdressers?
???

I think I'll take any advice coming out of America with a dose of disinfectant.

debauched hairdresser
I'll ask my hairdresser when I get to see him (which may not be for some time).
Or perhaps not, as I went be able to see what he's doing to the back of my hair.

What’s debauched about hairdressers?
???

cricket now permitted. But still cannot go to swimming pools where everyone is covered in bleach (chlorine),

I am also rather confused - two family groups may meet up outside but no more than six people. However groups of up to 30 are now permitted to groups together!!!!q

Apparently there were worries about cricket because the disgusting players keep spitting on the ball Yuk!!

Seems as if the death rate is increasing so maybe recent activities have had an impact?

I've been spending a fair bit of time outside. Making an effort to go places where there will be no other people, but that's my preference at any time, regardless of C19.

I dread to think how the numbers will spike after tomorrow's debauchery. Super spreader Saturday.

I was amazed to hear that cricket wasn't allowed!

Robert Peston posted this

FB friends in Italy tell me that masks were compulsory even outdoors now they are no longer mandatory outside unless you cannot maintain a safe distance or you stop and talk to somebody. Of course towns are heavily policed and they know they can be fined.

Namsnanny I'm not that generous , because none of them, protestors, beach goers etc were doing it from an informed position. Social distancing and masks, along with hand washing are the best defence, so you won't find me joining any throngs for a while!