Authorities in Paris are taking extra measures to contain the surge in COVID-19 infections. Parisians can no longer exercise outdoors during the day. There is a ban on exercising outside between the hours of 10am and 7pm. This is in reaction to more people taking to the streets in recent good weather and flouting lockdown rules. There have been over 10,000 deaths in France. It is fourth place on the fatalities list behind Italy, Spain and the USA. The mayor of Paris said the new rule would help stop the virus from spreading, and lead to a flattening of the curve.
Scientists explained that there is a greater viral load in the air when people exercise. When a cyclist or jogger sneezes, coughs or even exhales, micro-particles stay longer in the air and spread farther than when someone is walking. This is a danger to people behind them who have to walk through a cloud of droplets. The scientists said people should avoid those who exercise. Walkers should get four metres, runners 10 metres and cyclists at least 20 metres. The message in France is similar to elsewhere in the world - stay at home and follow social distancing rules when outside.