Skateboarding During Quarantine No-comply’s in compliance? article and photograph by Andrew Porter illustrations by Josh Gates
“STAY HOME SAVE LIVES.” You may have seen these signs around Portland in the recent weeks of the COVID epidemic. These signs are a bit unsettling. Driving down Highway 26, I felt guilty passing underneath these words—as if I was harming others by not being home at that very moment.With 103 deaths and climbing due to COVID-19 in the state of Oregon and over 800 in Washington at the time of this publication, such a fear is not baseless. In addition, violating the stay at home orders issued by Governor Kate Brown will net a $1,250 fine. But what exactly are these parameters we should follow in order to stay safe and out of trouble?
Subsection D under the first item of Governor Kate Brown’s executive order states the following: “Individuals may go outside for outside recreational activities (walking, hiking, etc.), but must limit those activities to noncontact, and are prohibited from engaging in outdoor activities where it is not possible to maintain appropriate social distancing (six feet or more between individuals).” Turns out, it’s fine to go outside for recreational activities as long as you’re able to maintain a sixfoot distance from anyone else—and during this period of quarantine it’s important that we all try to stay active. A recent study published in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine cites evidence showing that exercise has positive effects on immune system health against respiratory infection. Therefore, the authors recommend that healthy asymptomatic people exercise in private environments or outdoors while paying special attention to social distancing in order to combat the COVID-19 virus. Not only that, but it’s also vital for mental health to get out and have some fun now and then instead of going stir-crazy. Am I the only one who’s put on some weight over the quarantine? I feel like I’ve put on close to 19 pounds; binge watching Everybody Hates Chris and eating Nutella sandwiches has not been the most healthy lifestyle. If you’re like me and you’ve found yourself sitting at home stuffing your face while waiting for this whole 30
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