We should be allowed more exercise

As a retired GP and an octogenarian, I am passionate about exercise in relation to keeping healthy both physically as well as mentally.

When it comes to protecting mental health during these challenging times of Covid19 pandemic, it of utmost importance people should be allowed to play golf and tennis during this lockdown.

Two people arriving separately at their appropriate venue and taking all the necessary precautions can enjoy golf or tennis. A nine hole round of golf between two at a safe distance and not being within 150 yards of anyone is extremely valuable in overcoming depression of loneliness and invariably delaying onset of dementia especially of vascular type. Corona virus has been tough for those affected by dementia during lockdown period.

In this country we already have something like 150,000 cases of Dementia/Alzheimer`s

I feel getting out on the golf course or tennis court is not only a good form of exercise in order to curtail new cases of mental illness, thus avoiding more pressure on our overstretched NHS service.

I don`t see the sense of banning a couple of golfers getting exercise and enjoying playing golf. It is logical as compared to allowing 22 football professionals on a pitch who come into close proximity, hugging and sometimes kissing each other when a goal is scored.

This surely must add to greater transmission this deadly virus and such behaviour should be banned in the strictest possible way!

Dr Joginder Dhillon