Do I Really Need To Wear A Mask Outdoors? Here's The Science

[Nevilledog]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/06/30/face-mask-outdoors-coronavirus/#1f9c26141822


*snip*

Although the main way SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spreads from person to person wasn't initially certain, scientists now say the world should face the reality that the virus is transmitted through the air. Many believe that airborne transmission is actually the dominant route for the spread of Covid-19.

Coronavirus is carried by droplets or aerosols that leave the body when a person coughs, sneezes, breathes or talks. As a consequence, the chances of catching or spreading the virus will obviously increase when you're close to other people.

The odds should be higher in a confined area, where virus-laden particles will be circulating in the air. Following this reasoning, if there's no significant risk of transmitting the virus in an unconfined space, you might not need a mask.

But is it really true that you're relatively safe from worrying about Covid-19 while out in the open? Almost all studies (I'm aware of) have looked at the inside of buildings (detecting viruses in hospital rooms, for instance) and little research has compared indoor transmission to what happens outdoors. Some work is currently being peer-reviewed, however.

*snip*

[intrepidity]

1. Dilution effect and UV effect

Both of those argue strongly, imho, that outdoors is relatively safe compared to indoors.

[Nevilledog]

3. Give it a couple days, there will be a study saying the exact opposite.

That's what frustrates me the most. Articles flying fast and furious saying contradictory things.

[Phoenix61]

2. Considering no spike after all the marches

I realize some people were wearing masks but not everyone.

[forgotmylogin]

4. My take is you want to avoid breathing same air that someone just exhaled.

Outdoors walking your dog alone with nobody near you = low risk.
Outdoors in a crowded pool, stadium or barbecue = high risk.

Worst possible scenario is a crowded indoor venue with low air circulation and everyone breathing air that can't disperse. I.E.: theaters, churches, rallies, sports arenas, bars, restaurants. If you can smell another person or the food they're eating, you're likely breathing their air.

[Blue_true]

5. Your last point was on point.

If a person can smell anything about another person, indoors or outdoors, the first person likely has a 100% chance of contracting an infection.