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As authorities crack down on people who flout social distancing guidelines, many house-bound Canadians may wonder whether it’s a good idea to venture out for a run or a walk.

“You should not go out if you have COVID-19 disease, if you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 disease or if you have symptoms,” says Dr. Vivek Goel, the University of Toronto’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, and a professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. “Those with pre-existing health conditions, which put them at greater risk, and older adults should also exercise extreme caution.”

But for the rest of us, Goel advises, going out at least once a day is just fine – so long as your local health authorities agree.

“But remember to practise safe social distancing – and if runs have not been in your usual exercise routine, please remember to warm up and cool down, wear appropriate shoes and not overexert yourself.”

COVID-19: What’s Next is a bi-weekly podcast created by Goel in collaboration with a University of Toronto Communications team led by producer Lisa Lightbourn.

In episode seven, Goel – a renowned public health expert and founding head of Public Health Ontario, which was set up in response to the 2003 SARS outbreak – explains why it’s important to get outdoors and how to do it safely.

Note: The information in this podcast is current as of the posting date. Listeners should consult their local public health agency for the latest information in their jurisdiction.

See a complete list of all the podcast episodes