How risky was this?

[Gingerbreadchoc]

We went for a walk today at a local green space. Nothing there besides lots of grass (plus a path). We assumed it would be empty but there was lots of dog walkers and families out plus a few runners.

We kept our distance where we could but had to cross a fair few people on the path/they were quicker than us and walked right past us.

Even when distancing we were still walking through the space they had walked through only a very short while after them so put a mask on after 5 minutes.

We ended up heading back after 15 minutes as it just felt too busy.

With this new variant spreading so much faster, my concern is would the virus have had chance to disperse outside as we had close contact (albeit short) with people we didn’t know and none of them were wearing masks. Dp thinks it’s fine as we were outside but we were closer than a metre when people passed us.

Eh ? That wouldn't even give you measles.

It’s fine. Stop worrying. Otherwise you’ll do nothing but worry indoors for months.

Fresh air in a park where some other people are is fine. You’d be very unlucky to catch anything.

The risk outside is minuscule.

All outdoor spaces are busier than normal because there is nothing else to do. You will be fine. This is incredibly low risk.

I think there is a very slight chance of could.spread like this (my husband has already said this but has been a bit over the top) but it would be.extremely unlikely. I'm extremely cautious, but would not be.worried.

Nobody can tell you with evidence, there isn't evidence.

My best guess is about 0.005% total. 15 minutes (of close contact) is still the relevant threshold when it gets to like 10% chance virus transmitted. That's supposed to be indoors. More transmissible might turn that into 20%.

This is about as low risk as it gets. You cannot exclude any risk whatsoever from your life and you will go mad if you seek to do so.

We kept our distance where we could but had to cross a fair few people on the path/they were quicker than us and walked right past us.

If you're with a Covid sufferer indoors, they're generating aerosols all the time you're with them. Outdoors, you'll walk through about 30secs worth of aerosols. No worse than opening the front door to pick up the parcel the delivery driver has just dropped on your doorstep.

OK, there are a lot more people. But (depending on where you are) probably only 1 in a hundred of them will have Covid.

I would not be concerned. Although there is risk with everything, you did the right thing by leaving and as it was outdoors you would have to be extremely extremely unlucky for you to have picked it up this way.

If it eases your worry at all, I was exposed back in the summer on a walk around a lake by someone who got symptoms and tested positive a day later. I was wearing a mask, they were not. I was devastated when I found out and worried sick. I was negative.

I have also flown twice since March due to reasons of it being absolutely essential/circumstances beyond my control. Was sat thigh to thigh with people and was extremely lucky not to pick up anything.

I think you will be absolutely fine OP but I’m not trying to minimise your worry at all. It is out there and we’re all just trying to do our best.

I live in North Kent so have been living with this new strain since September. My family and I have been in many situations that you describe, none of us have had symptoms and we’ve all been (asymptomatic) tested which came back negative.

This new strain is worrying, it is spreading quicker but I do believe that the situation you describe is still very low risk. You did the right thing in putting your mask on when you felt it was busy and trying to distance yourself, that’s all you can do.

I tested positive before Christmas, as did dd age 2. Both dd5 and DH didn't catch it.

Dd2 sneezed in DH's face. Nappies were changed, noses wiped.

You won't catch it walking outside.

I'd stay indoors and disinfect your newspaper OP.

Smacks a bit of "I wanted to go out for a walk but other mortals dared to do the same as me" to me. If you're this neurotic - best you stay at home. Perhaps wrap yourself in some bubble wrap as well to make sure.

@DominaShantotto no need to be unkind really, especially when someone is already anxious or upset. OP, it is not impossible to catch covid this way but it is very low risk and very unlikely. Please try not to worry, you were only there a short time and you wore masks

[quote Lifeispassingby]@DominaShantotto no need to be unkind really, especially when someone is already anxious or upset. OP, it is not impossible to catch covid this way but it is very low risk and very unlikely. Please try not to worry, you were only there a short time and you wore masks[/quote]
Why ever not? People on here have been utter arses to everyone else over this pandemic - particularly against those who are anxious or have mental health difficulties.

Oh no, you only mean those who have those and aren't trumpeting their worthiness in a need for self validation don't you.

@DominaShantotto If what you’re saying is you can be unkind to someone’s because other people have been then that says a lot about you. Btw the second part of your message makes no sense

Thanks for posting this op. I am currently weighing up a 45 min walk to pick up some essential medication (can’t get the prescription filled closer for tedious reason) and 45 mins back as against a taxi there and back. Planning to walk but began to wonder about exactly this type of risk. Will head out early so it will be quiet and mask up as well.

Well it’s unsurprising that the park was busy really. Nowhere else is open. All parks are busy.
The risk involved is tiny. If that’s still too high risk for you, then probably best to avoid parks.