Recommendations for Keeping Parks and Green Space Accessible for Mental and Physical Health During COVID-19 and Other Pandemics

• Published in: Preventing chronic disease Vol. 17; p. E59
• Main Authors: Slater, Sandy J., Christiana, Richard W., Gustat, Jeanette
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 09.07.2020
• Series: Peer Reviewed
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - psychology; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Disease control; Exercise; Food stamps; Global Health; Health Policy; Humans; Mental Health; Minority & ethnic groups; Pandemics; Parks & recreation areas; Parks, Recreational; Physical fitness; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - psychology; Public Health; Public transportation; SARS-CoV-2; Shelter in place; Urban areas
• ISSN: 1545-1151; 1545-1151
• DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200204

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.