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Something that I think needs discussion is the closure of recreational spaces like gyms, parks, trails and beaches during this pandemic instead of finding ways to make them safe for use. The data is clear that baseline health status influences COVID outcomes.
We live in a country where poor baseline health status is unfortunately more common than uncommon.
I appreciate the risk of infection in these spaces under normal usage but there are ways to keep them open safely.
I appreciate the risk of infection in these spaces under normal usage but there are ways to keep them open safely.
This is especially important for certain demographics who might not be able to afford home exercise equipment or virtual exercise programs. Many are reliant on public recreational spaces like parks, trails and beaches for exercise.
In order to prepare for future pandemics, we need to strongly look at solutions to keep these spaces open safely and ways to encourage people to improve or maintain their health during one.
I think our profession could have played a bigger role in this space. We have the equipment, and personnel who have the requisite knowledge to screen and implement safety precautions.
We could look at opening PT clinics for exercise in people who are at higher risk who wouldn't be as safe to exercise outside even with social distancing.
