To prevent the epidemic and avoid being hit by a dart, joggers’ dangerous positions are exposed! The safest distance for cycling is…

In order to prevent the epidemic, "following the times" has become a hot topic. Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung has repeatedly reminded everyone to maintain social distance, with the social distance outdoors being at least 1 meter and indoors being at least 1.5 meters. For people who love jogging, it seems a bit difficult to control the distance. It is common to see a group of runners running side by side, or to keep a distance for safety, they simply follow the runner in front at least 1 meter away, feeling more at ease. Is this really the case?

Is running the safest option during the epidemic prevention period? Jogging also has the most dangerous position for droplets

Wuhan pneumonia (COVID 19) spreads quickly and strongly. The more people gather in closed indoor spaces, the more worried they will be. Therefore, more and more people are turning to outdoor sports. In the United States, where the epidemic is severe, some state governments have stipulated that people should "shelter in place" as much as possible and stay at home unless necessary, but they are allowed to go out to buy daily necessities and medicines, and go out for a walk, jog, or walk their pets.

Because the air is circulating outdoors, even if someone is sick and coughing, the droplets carrying the virus are less likely to be inhaled by another person in large quantities. Most of the viruses diluted by the air will die before they have a chance to infect the next person. So, it seems that joggers are not too worried about the virus finding them. Is this really the case? According to a foreign study, the answer may be different from what you think. Why?

Study: Jogging side by side or in a staggered formation is safer than running directly behind others

Lin Xingqing, attending physician of the rehabilitation department of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said that during the COVID-19 epidemic, jogging may no longer be safe if people gather in groups or if there is insufficient distance between people. According to a new study published by Professor Bert Blocken of the Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven in Belgium, it may be safer for people jogging outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic to jog side by side or in a staggered formation rather than directly behind another person.

According to a new study published by Professor Bert Blocken of the Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven in Belgium, it may be safer for people jogging outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic to jog side by side or in a staggered formation rather than directly behind another person.

When riding a bicycle at high speed, it is recommended to keep a distance of 20 meters in front and behind, and 10 meters in the back and front when riding a bicycle at low speed. This may ensure safety and avoid inhaling droplets from the rider in front, thus avoiding the risk of infection.

Why is it unsafe to jog right behind the runner in front of you? Dr. Lin Xingqing said that this study showed that when a person runs forward, gas molecules will drift backwards, which may cause the person running directly behind to inhale a large amount of droplets. Even when running in a straight line, it is recommended to keep at least 10 meters between the front and back. When walking in a straight line, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 4 to 5 meters.

Recommended distance between front and rear when riding a bicycle at high speed: 20 meters

The same principle applies to other forms of exercise such as cycling. When riding a bicycle at high speed, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 20 meters before and after, and 10 meters at low speed. This may ensure safety, avoid inhaling droplets from the rider in front, and stay away from the risk of infection.

Of course, such physical model simulations are only for the situation of droplet dispersion, and there is no way to guarantee that they will perfectly match the actual virus transmission and infection situation, nor does it mean that you will definitely be infected if the distance is lower than this. However, when several people go out jogging together, it is ideal to follow a side-by-side or staggered running position, and avoid talking while running.

【Doctor's Tips】:

Dr. Lin Xingqing finally reminded that if you have any uncomfortable symptoms, it is better to stay home and exercise alone. This is the safest way for yourself and others.