ABSTRACT
After the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic and its massive global spread as a pandemic, most countries used personal distancing as one of the most effective ways to limit public interaction and consequently minimize further spread of the pandemic. Since personal distancing is a manifestation of personal space, this study reviews the personal space concept and how relevant spatial behavior changed during COVID-19, using qualitative approach. Numerous behavioral changes were developed, most remarkably is the increased size of the personal space and the use of body language to maintain it in addition to wearing a facial mask and gloves became a mechanism to preserve one's personal space. Accordingly, hiding one's identity by wearing a mask functioned as a mechanism to maintain an individual's personal space, contrary to the commonly held view that personal space is a mechanism to achieve privacy. The study observed that salient patterns of human daily behavior during COVID-19, and found that there are three types of changes: 1) personal, 2) environmental of spatial, and 3) interactive between humans and their surrounding environment. The study concludes by analyzing the changes of users' behavior pertinent to personal space in mosques, shopping centers, restaurants and coffee shops. It also looks into doors, elevators, chairs and sitting areas and waiting lines. Moreover, it gives short-term emergency recommendations and guidelines to improve building design and operation.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 outbreak has a profound impact on almost every aspect of life. Universal masking is recommended as a means of source control. Routinely exercising in a safe environment is an important strategy for healthy living during this crisis. As sports clubs and public spaces may serve a source of viral transmission, masking may become an integral part of physical activity. This study aimed to assess the physiological effects of wearing surgical masks and N95 respirators during short-term strenuous workout. This was a multiple cross-over trial of healthy volunteers. Using a standard cycle ergometry ramp protocol, each subject performed a maximal exercise test without a mask, with a surgical mask, and with an N95 respirator. Physiological parameters and time to exhaustion were compared. Each subject served his own control. Sixteen male volunteers (mean age and BMI of 34 ± 4 years and 28.72 ± 3.78 kg/m2 , respectively) completed the protocol. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and time to exhaustion did not differ significantly. Exercising with N95 mask was associated with a significant increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2 ) levels. The differences were more prominent as the load increased, reaching 8 mm Hg at exhaustion (none vs N95, P = .001). In conclusion, in healthy subjects, short-term moderate-strenuous aerobic physical activity with a mask is feasible, safe, and associated with only minor changes in physiological parameters, particularly a mild increase in EtCO2 . Subjects suffering from lung diseases should have a cautious evaluation before attempting physical activity with any mask.