Exercise isn't the reason for high transmission

[starfro]

Tens of millions of people are working in small offices or interacting all day with the public. Hour upon hour spent next to infectious people, and whilst masks might lower transmission somewhat, they're not enough to stop you getting infected in these places.

On my 90 minute dog walk today I saw one person from a long distance (I drove a few miles to somewhere quiet).

Why focus on the trivial when the main problems are indoor mixing at work and schools? Who cares if Boris goes on a bike ride, or someone drives 10 miles to exercise - it makes essentially no difference if done sensibly.

Agree and the UK (world???) has gone crazy about this one

The UK (England) hasn't gone as mad as some other countries, despite the best efforts of Derbyshire police and others. Plenty of other countries have put in ludicrous limits on exercise though eg France was 1km and I think Italy was 400m at one point. Ireland is currently 5k I think. Some areas of Germany with high infection rates are 15k.

Agree.

Yep total crap

Agreed it’s utter bollocks

Agree. I do not believe people walking and exercising outside in open spaces is causing a big problem. Hospitals, schools, manufacturing, retail, public transport and other work places are the high risk areas. People are bringing it home and because we're spending more time indoors (it's winter and there is nowhere to go!) more household transmission occurs.

Totally agree. I’d like to see us allowed to drive anywhere locally (within reason) for exercise, but put the onus on the council / car park owner to keep things safe ... IF there’s any evidence at all that transmission is coming from this, which I doubt. I think it’s more about the optics of having people out and about.

So by all means, shut the Barry Island main car park or Pen Y Fan, but don’t stop people who like the outdoors and would usually by out, driving a bit further than the local park to avoid the crowds. It makes zero sense.

Agree but what is really sad, so many widowed, divorced, lonely old people who shuffle out for a walk but need to sit down and need public loos

15 mile radius from main house, place of the residence, further if you need too and can prove it.

Agree and I even stopped and talked to a fellow dog Walker today.

Not stepped foot in a supermarket since March though ! (lucky I know)

Emphatically agree and dismayed with the police and general public for wanting these bollocks restrictions enforced.

I agree with you BUT it still be really nice if runners wouldn't spit on the pavements just as they're passing walkers (happens a lot to me!)

It’s not the exercise though is it, it’s the meeting up with others, getting food/drink etc showing many are using it to socialise rather than exercise.

Yes, another one totally agreeing. Exercise is the easy target, far simpler to fine a few people for taking a walk in the fresh air than large companies insisting their workforce still go in the office each day or the 'essential shops' that aren't selling anything particularly essential.

And since when a 7 miles bike ride is headline worthy is beyond me! Grrrrr!

True exercise no but it's a front for people sitting on benches chatting

Totally agree with you we all know it’s spreading on construction sites and the manufacturing industry but they have too much sway with the government for them to do the right thing .

I took my toddler and baby to our local nature reserve for a walk this morning (2 miles away if anyone wants to get their knickers in a twist) as DH had an important Teams call. I was surprised at how empty it was. There was only a few cars in the car park and we only saw a couple of contractors repairing a bridge and a couple of wildlife trust staff/volunteers. We seemed to be the only actual visitors. I couldn’t believe how quiet it was. Doesn’t really tie in with the narrative that there are people wantonly exercising and socialising all over the place, does it?

It’s predominantly being spread through hospitals, care homes, schools and workplaces.

Of course that would put the government and their decision making under the spotlight, lead to awkward questions about infection control, schools having being open and workplaces being ‘COVID secure’ when the reality is that the phrase is meaningless

So government tactic, aided by the media decides to concentrate instead on individuals doing far, far less risky activities to deflect attention.
And people are falling for it time after time

It really depends where you are. Here in a 'beauty spot' it has been very busy. Cars parked in every available space (and lots parked antisocially too) and so many people on paths there can be no social distancing. People come here because it's quiet and peaceful, but with them all here is isn't. Our numbers are rocketing and our hospital is full.

If they make masks mandatory outside I’m going to jail

I am just not doing that

The unfit and unhealthy can never turn an opportunity to criticise those who exercise - Covid gives them a free pass for being sanctimonious and selfish while appearing to care about others

Totally agree OP.

Agree with you OP. This was my dog walk today (and yes, I did drive about 4 miles to get there and even stopped and chatted to another walker who stood about three metres away 😳)

But as previous posters have said, this doesn't made sensational headlines 🤷‍♀️

Yeah I actually cycled myself to the Olympic park where Boris went myself a few days ago - just looked it up and it was actually 8 miles from my house - I was on my bike though and I wasn’t really keeping tabs on how far I went - I just kept going and then turned back and went home!!

I didn’t come into close contact with anyone I was pretty much moving all the time!

I have to go to the office once a week and take a tube and bus - that’s where I feel most at risk tbh! And also when I have to go to the supermarket and the aisles are crowded!

The cycle - even though I went further than the 5miles was definitively not one of the riskiest things I did this week ffs

The exercise and a short journey to do it are not the issue. However in some places such as beauty spots it can get crowded. It is also tempting to stop and chat with a friend- start off 2m + away but get closer.

Agree it is safer than inside and no need for further restrictions on outdoor exercise. Tackle mixing and workplaces and hospitals.

Completely agree with you, OP! There needs to be more focus on employers who are requiring their employees to turn up at the office (or putting pressure on them to do so) and whether it really is impossible for those employees to work from home. Where working from home isn't possible, there should be a stronger focus on avoiding unnecessary face to face meetings.