Virus: Recreation, fresh air a good deterrent

As a long-time regular hiker, I know that hiking builds immunity to disease. I know of no hiker who has acquired the COVID-19 virus while hiking.

If that had occurred, we would know it by now as a result of many instances when there have been mass gatherings outdoors to either recreate or demonstrate.

Almost all infections occur as the result of being in an enclosed area with others for over an hour. The risk of infection is proportional to the exposure load and duration of exposure.

So instead of encouraging people to stay home breathing stale, uncirculating air, the government should encourage us to recreate outside in the fresh air.

Opening all hiking trails is the best way to prevent overcrowding on the trails.

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 8:09 AM with the headline "Virus: Recreation, fresh air a good deterrent."