Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has put the entire world in a pandemic situation. In response, strict screening, quarantine protocols, and contact tracing have been conducted in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of social distancing on the Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS) during the COVID-19 outbreak. We used the PBSS public dataset of Seoul, South Korea. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was used. In the DID approach, the 2 groups are distinguished based on designated year. Cases of PBSS use were observed in 2 time periods: pre- and post-strict social distancing in Seoul, Korea. Average PBSS usage per day doubled during 2019-2020 (30 697 vs 77 996, P < .001). Commuters and weekend users increased during the social distancing period in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. DID analysis showed statistically significant positive effects of high levels of social distancing on PBSS usage, commuters, weekend users, and new subscribers. In conclusion, social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak increased outdoor physical activity. Meaningful outdoor physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic can be safe from infection and psychologically stabilized as long as keeping meticulous physical distancing, such as hand hygiene, wearing facial masks, and surface cleaning of public resources.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic in March 2020 because of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.[1]
This study investigated Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS) use as a physical outdoor activity, comparing COVID-19 pandemic exposure and nonexposure and pre– and post–social distancing policy
We used the Seoul, South Korea, PBSS dataset for a cross-sectional analysis of bicycle use at two points in time: January to March 2019 and January to March 2020. The latter was during the COVID-19 peak, when strict social distancing was imposed in Seoul from March 22
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic in March 2020 because of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.[1] With no vaccines available, preventive measures and social distancing are the most important precautions. Preventive measures to mitigate infection spread include good personal hygiene, prioritizing handwashing, cleansing mobile phones and other personal items, practicing respiratory cough etiquette, and wearing masks. Social distancing techniques involve staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, not using public transportation, and following work and quarantine restrictions.[2] In past pandemics, extreme social distancing measures like isolation and quarantine have been proven to trigger depression and anxiety. People separated from loved ones have a higher risk of developing mental health problems. Reduced social interaction and home quarantine can lead to increased rates of mental health problems.[3]
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