Study shows patients were 19 times more likely to catch coronavirus indoors vs outdoors

Reporter: Erika Jackson
Published: Updated:
VENTURA, CA – MAY 21: Preparation to open at Ikat & Pearls Home Decor on South California Street near Main Street in downtown Ventura Thursday morning as Ventura County has become the largest county in Southern California to resume dine-in service at restaurants and in-store shopping joining a growing list of California counties that have been given permission to enter phase two of reopening after closures due to coronavirus Covid-19. Downtown on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Ventura, CA. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The breeze blows the trees along Punta Gorda’s Harborwalk, but the harbor walkers are nowhere to be found.

A few blocks away at the Celtic Ray Irish pub, Dick and Louise Nelson have the outdoor patio nearly to themselves.

“We used to eat indoors but the valuable place to us right now is the outdoors,” Dick Nelson said.

Health experts say people indoors have a much higher chance of catching COVID-19 than people enjoying the fresh air.

Scientists analyzed coronavirus cases in Japan and found patients were 19 times more likely to catch the virus indoors, compared to an open-air environment.

Nelson also said he feels “more comfortable outside rather than in the indoor space with other people.”

Kevin Doyle is the owner of the Celtic Ray Public House. He says, “As soon as the weather turned hot in June, there’s more people inside now.”

Doyle says more customers are flocking inside despite triple the number of seats outdoors.

One of those customers, Jim Kelly, explained simply, “It’s air-conditioned in here. It’s not air-conditioned outside.”

The CDC says more ventilation and being spaced apart can help you steer clear of the virus.

The Florida Department of Health suggests avoiding the Three C’s to stay healthy:

  • Crowded places
  • Closed spaces
  • Close-contact settings

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