The new coronavirus has created a “new normal” for everyone this year, affecting almost everything we do.
With the winter season officially here and the holiday season fast approaching, some may wonder, is it safe to play or winter sports this year? And if so, which ones are the safest?
The good news, says Dr. John Whyte, chief medical officer of health website WebMD, is that winter sports take place outdoors, “where it’s much harder for COVID to spread.”
However, some winter activities are safer than others, with solo sports (eg skiing) demonstrably posing a lower risk. (iStock)
The bad news?
“Because of the cold and the intensity of the activity, you breathe quite hard, which can help dissipate [the] virus, ”he told Fox News in an email.
However, some winter activities are safer than others, with solo sports (eg skiing) demonstrably posing a lower risk.
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“To balance that out, I would focus on solo sports – skiing or snowboarding. Skating is good too,” Whyte said.
“Another point – many of these activities you do on your own, you travel with groups to find the right place – as you often drive somewhere to ski. Keep in mind that during breaks you can change the number of people you are traveling with or with. who you associate with should limit, ”he said. “You don’t have to wear a mask during the activity, but bring it with you in case you come into close contact with other people.”
The best physical activities to reduce the risk of coronavirus infections are those that you do alone or with members of your household, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Also, avoid sharing equipment, according to the CDC.
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Playing contact sports such as hockey with people who live outside of your household increases the chance of spreading the virus.
“The more people a participant meets, the closer the physical interaction is, the more equipment is shared by multiple players, and the longer the interaction, the greater the risk of COVID-19 spreading,” warns the CDC.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.