Recommendations for Keeping Parks and Green Space Accessible for Mental and Physical Health During COVID-19 and Other Pandemics
Sandy J. Slater, Richard W. Christiana, Jeanette Gustat
Abstract
The importance of engaging in any type of physical activity regularly, for both physical and mental health, is well established, and may be particularly beneficial in protecting the body and limiting the damage caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Exposure to nature or green space also has positive physical and mental health benefits. Closures of parks and green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the options for physical activity and may affect vulnerable populations more than others. We provide both short-term and long-term recommendations to encourage access to green space for people while allowing for physical distancing.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Public healthHealth promotionPromotion (chess)Chronic disease2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDiseaseMental healthSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Space (punctuation)Family medicineNursingInfectious disease (medical specialty)PsychiatryPathologyLinguisticsPolitical sciencePhilosophyLawPoliticsOutbreakUrban Green Space and HealthNoise Effects and ManagementClimate Change and Health Impacts