Outdoor Transmission of COVID -19

A review, recently commissioned and published by parkrun, on the outdoor transmission of COVID-19

Led by Professor Mike Weed and Dr Abby Foad at the Centre for Sport, Physical Education & Activity Research (spear) at Canterbury Christ Church University, the review looked at evidence of incidents of outdoor transmission of COVID-19, including the settings, environment and circumstances of such transmission, as well as comparing the rates of transmission to those occurring indoors. The primary purpose of the review being to inform discussions about the re-commencement of outdoor activities.

Whilst the review concluded that, in general, outdoor settings present lower risk of transmission than indoor settings, it also highlighted key evidence-based considerations relevant to event organisers; density, circulation, size and duration of the event.

In addition to these factors, the review also highlighted the importance of considering risks outside of the events themselves, such as modes of transport, socialising at indoor venues, and overnight accommodation.

Professor Mike Weed, Professor of Applied Policy Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, said:

“We were excited to be asked by parkrun to carry out this review, and impressed at their determination to understand the evidence around this subject area. Our review leads us to conclude that, with appropriate evidence-based mitigations in place, it is possible to deliver outdoor events and activities across a range of sectors, and of varying sizes and formats, in a way that does not significantly increase risk of COVID-19 transmission.”