Even though the coronavirus pandemic is keeping 226 million Americans and one third of the world sheltering in place, stepping out for fresh air is still allowed. But what’s safe? How far apart do we need to be when we’re outside? Can the virus survive in wind, rain and sun? The news media is packed with info on how to stay safe inside—but with the help of Dr. Doriane Miller, we present the latest findings on how best to behave outdoors in the midst of a pandemic.

During the pandemic, the answer is an emphatic “no” to most questions of “can I do this?” But not for going outside to enjoy the trees, the sky, the flowers. Doctors on the preventative side of the coronavirus pandemic are encouraging patients to access the outdoors for exercise and for nature’s proven ability to diminish stress.

“Public health officials are promoting going outdoors in terms of helping people to stay healthy not just from a physical health aspect but from a mental health aspect as well,” says Dr. Doriane Miller, the physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center featured in this episode. “As long as they’re keeping what’s considered safe distancing.”

An internist at the at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Dr. Miller explains how the coronavirus protection rules we’re learning for how to behave indoors pertain to activities undertaken out of doors. Like many other physicians, in addition to her ordinary patient group, she’s helping serve those who may have COVID-19. “The University of Chicago hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center on the south side of Chicago. And so if you get into a bad automobile accident if you’re someone subject to interpersonal violence and have been injured as a result of that, this is where you’d come,” she says. “We’re still taking those cases as well. Now, with CVID-19 layered onto that, the hospital continues to be a pretty busy place.”

When asked how those of us who aren’t the least bit medical can help the frontline care providers during the pandemic, Dr. Miller is very clear. It wasn’t “make us masks” or “come to the hospital and volunteer.” It was: “Take care of yourselves and your family with good hand-washing and social distancing. Do your best not to increase the load of sick patients.”

For a complete lowdown on how to be safe outside (and why these rules are effective) download this PDF compiled by The Shape of the World staff based on the interview with Dr. Miller.

The Shape of the World is partnering with our friends at Openlands to put this information in the hands of as many people as possible. Please share it with your friends. Your safety is critically important. And so is that of the people you love.