How social distancing rules are creating epidemic of fear – Yorkshire Post Letters

THE total obsession at both local and national government level with the two metre “social distancing” rule is potentially likely to cause more problems with people’s mental health and general wellbeing than Covid-19 itself.

Despite many experts expressing doubts about its justification, what it does do is send a message to us that other people are dangerous and to be avoided at all costs. This is causing another epidemic – that of fear. Its immediate effects are evident for all to see – that of a total disruption of transport and tourism.

Add to that the complete wiping out of the performing arts – theatres and concert halls empty and no live music being played by anyone for over three months, something which has never happened in centuries and we begin to wonder if we shall ever recover these vital elements in our lives.

A classic example of the idiotic rule being applied inappropriately is Doncaster Council opening Cusworth Park to the public but closing 50 per cent of car parking. The net result on a sunny bank holiday being that cars were parked nose to tail by the dozen on both sides of the main road – obstructing traffic and endangering children. So much for “social distancing”!

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson