Why wear masks outdoors if Covid-19 is mostly transmitted indoors? Experts explain
- The risk of catching Covid-19 outdoors is low but there are circumstances that make it more likely. Wearing a mask is the safest option, an epidemiologist says
- If you are eating outdoors at a restaurant, wear a mask when you are not eating or drinking, another expert advises.
Almost all documented coronavirus transmissions of Covid-19 coronavirus have occurred indoors, but experts say that wearing a mask outside is justified because there is still a risk of infection.
The likelihood of catching the virus increases at events where people stand near each other and talk for long periods of time, such as parties or sports events.
One study published in April identified a single case of transmission outdoors, between two Chinese villagers, out of more than 7,000 studies.
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In an analysis of 25,000 cases, which has not yet been independently reviewed, six per cent of cases were linked to environments with an outdoor element, such as sporting events or concerts.