There have been several articles posted this weekend about "crowding" of parks and concern that people aren't respecting social distancing. One problem with these articles are the photos used to support the text. 1/
The photos in this article (and others) were taken with a telephoto lens. This creates an optical illusion compressing the background with the foreground, making it look more densely packed than the reality. petapixel.com/2018/07/17/is-… 2/
This photo was taken at Kits Beach today (May 11, 2020) at 6 pm with a focal length of 200mm (a telephoto lens). The beach looks densely packed. 3/ 
This photo was taken at the same time and location with a 70mm focal length. The beach looks busy but not as densely packed 4/
This photo taken at the same time and location used a 35mm focal length. This focal length closely approximates what we see with the human eye. Here you can see that there's generous space around the small groups of people 5/
And when seen from above, the perspective changes again revealing people well spaced across the beach. While there are a few groups larger than they should be, for the most part people are social distancing. 6/
This video captures another view of the scene this evening at Kits Beach. 7/
Images depicting densely packed pubic spaces are alarming at first glance and I am sure help bring attention to an article. It is important that media organizations be more accurate when depicting the use of parks and public spaces. 8/
These deceptive photographs influence public opinion and can easily result in quick decisions to restrict use of public spaces. Our parks and beaches are more important than ever and the public deserves to have messages clearly communicated. 9/
While I agree that you can see some groups of people don't appear to be as diligent as they should be. Most people are respecting the physical distance between others. Based on the latest understanding of virus, the risk of transmission outside is low. 10/
This article by Erin Bromage is one of the best articles I've read on the risks and the science of the pandemic. 11/
erinbromage.com/post/the-risks…
erinbromage.com/post/the-risks…
relevant quote "Social distancing rules are really to protect you with brief exposures or outdoor exposures. In these situations there is not enough time to achieve the infectious viral load when you are standing 6 feet apart or where wind and the infinite outdoor space.." 12/
"... for viral dilution reduces viral load. The effects of sunlight, heat, and humidity on viral survival, all serve to minimize the risk to everyone when outside." 13/
I do think that there is a limit to the capacity of parks and beaches. During a typical summer there are many more people at Kits beach on a nice day. Maybe at some point popular parks will need controlled admission. Not sure how that would be managed... 14/
Vancouver residents should make use of their neighbourhood parks. This helps distribute the use of park space more equitably.
For example, "Dude Chilling Park" in Mt Pleasant was busier than I've seen before.
Great to see parks serving a vital role during the pandemic. 15/
For example, "Dude Chilling Park" in Mt Pleasant was busier than I've seen before.
Great to see parks serving a vital role during the pandemic. 15/
On a similar topic Gehl architects prepared a study for the city of Copenhagen observing how public life has changed under Covid-19 covid19.gehlpeople.com 16/
Here is a link to the interview on CKNW today. pca.st/episode/764744…
