‘Disgusting!’: Runners blasted for spitting in Sheffield woods amid coronavirus pandemic

Under current government guidelines, Britons can exercise outside as often as they wish, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, providing they keep two metres apart at all times.

And with gyms still closed many people have taken to exercising outdoors, often jogging and running in many of the city’s open spaces.

Runners, however, are known to spit and that could pose a potential problem in terms of the spread of Covid-19.

The common practice has now come under fire after a frustrated Sheffield resident spotted numerous runners spitting on the ground in Ecclesall Woods.

In a Facebook post, she said: “Whilst walking in Ecclesall Woods today numerous runners passed us, and a large majority we saw spitting on the ground at some point. Whilst this is controversial at any normal time, now it is just inconsiderate and unhygienic given the current situation.

“I just ask that runners may be mindful of other people using the paths/pavement that you run on. Although you may think that you are spitting away from the path, you can’t be certain that someone won’t stand on that spot and track those germs into their home or work, where someone more vulnerable may pick it up.”

Other residents were quick to respond with some branding the practice as ‘disgusting’.

Covid-19 spreads primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and transmission of the virus may occur when these droplets enter the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health experts are urging people to practice respiratory etiquette for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow or, if completely necessary, only spit when nobody else is around.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also told UK residents to ‘stay alert’ to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

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