As gyms continue to stay shut to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus, people have one question in mind – is it safe to walk outdoors?
As gyms continue to stay shut to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus, people have one question in mind – is it safe to walk outdoors?With the growing numbers of Covid-19 cases in India amid the second wave, we all must stay at home and follow all necessary protocols suggested by health officials. Many state governments have also imposed lockdowns to ensure that citizens don’t break the rules and remain safe. This means all non-essential activities stay shut. Gyms have also continued to close their doors during these times to avoid the further spread of the deadly virus. This has forced many to ask one question: Is it safe to go for a walk outdoors?
If you are also wondering the same, you are not alone. So, to help you out, IndiaToday.in got in touch with a few medical experts to answer this question. According to them, going for an outdoor walk is not at all advisable right now. However, if your health demands you to do so, follow all appropriate social distancing methods, and you will be safe.
According to Dr Ankit Jain, a consultant physician at Neo Hospital in Noida, it is strictly advisable to stay inside. However, if your health demands you to go outside and work out, only then will it be okay, as long as one follows all social distancing guidelines.
CHOOSE EARLY MORNING WALKS WHEN NO ONE IS OUTSIDE
He said, “It is not recommended to go outdoors considering the pandemic and the Covid-19 cases increasing day by day. However, if it is really mandatory for you to go out for a walk because of your health issues, you should take all the necessary precautions. One should wear a face shield, gloves and a face mask before going out. Avoid public places that are extremely crowded. If you are considering going out on a walk, I would suggest choosing early morning to do so. Basically, try to choose a time when there is no one in the park or the compound or your neighbourhood. Secondly, don’t sit on the benches or touch any metal objects or any open-air gym equipment available there. And as soon as you reach home, immediately take a bath, sanitise everything and wash your clothes. But my advice would still be to avoid going out unless it is necessary for you, because one can always work out at home.”
Dr Ijen Bhattacharya, consultant physician and diabetologist based in Noida, says that though it is not advisable to go outside, people who suffer from diseases like diabetes or cholesterol, physical exercise like a 15-minute walk is a must. However, due to the pandemic, they are stuck inside their homes. This worsens their situation and makes them vulnerable to viral infections. He adds, “Ultimately, we are inviting trouble.”
He said, “With proper precautions like wearing face masks and proper social distancing wherever it is possible, people can go for a 15 to 30-minute walk in their neighbourhood. However, going for a walk is not an incentive to talk to people or acquaintances. If a person is going out for a walk, they should complete the workout and then go back home without coming in contact with others. They can always do that from the comfort of their homes on a mobile phone. Another essential point to keep in mind while going out for a walk is to choose an open air space with a large area.”
Additionally, the doctors emphasised the need to keep a six-foot distance between yourself and others to maintain appropriate social distancing.
INDIA’S COVID-19 UPDATE
India reported 3,82,315 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the country’s overall caseload to 2,06,65,148. The total active coronavirus cases in the country have mounted to 34,87,229, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry of Family and Welfare on Wednesday morning.
