Closure or patrols? What do we do with the parks problem?
■ It would be a foolish to close parks and outdoor spaces on the basis that some aren’t following social-distancing guidelines (Metro, Mon). This would confine joggers and pedestrians, as well as errant cyclists and scooter riders, to pavements that are rarely wider than six feet.
Much better that the police patrol and move offenders on, bringing fixed penalties to bear if required. Alan Bayne, via email
■ We’ve been warned of the devastating consequences of this virus. Our NHS workers are risking their lives and some are dying, so it’s disgusting that some people continue to lounge in parks and congregate in public as if it’s a holiday. Elizabeth, London
■ My boyfriend and I live along a river. The footpath is narrow and full with walkers, cyclists and runners. To keep our distance, we decided our once-a-day exercise would be kayaking.
We were out on Sunday and were stopped by the police, who told us that kayaking wasn’t allowed – but we weren’t aware of this and I can’t find any mention of it online.
We understand that water sports could cause an issue if more decided to take them up, and that they could lead to injuries and more pressure on the struggling NHS, but the rules need to be clearer about this. Glee, via email
■ One MP commenting on park closures says ‘in tackling one health crisis we risk creating another’ and another says ‘coronavirus is spreading because the government is failing to mass test or provide adequate PPE to key workers not because people are in parks’. This is irresponsible. All concerned should stick to the clear message: stay at home. Mick Wakefield, Bassingbourn
■ Closing parks should have been implemented in the first place and going out to exercise should have been forbidden for the reason that with some people, the lights are on but there’s no one at home. People are dying! Paul Johnson, Wirral
■ If you’re exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 you should self-isolate. If you’re asymptomatic – no high temperature, not coughing, etc – then careful social distancing should be sufficient. However, it’s extremely difficult to maintain social distancing on a canal towpath without throwing
yourself into the canal every time you are about to breach the recommended two-metre separation.
Eddie Luigi, Gosport
■ I found that although my supermarket had made people queue and put markers on the floor, very few people respected my space and many leant over me while I was trying to get something from a cabinet. People should follow the rules, otherwise we may find ourselves kept at home with the Army enforcing the lockdown.
Worried, via email
■ We have an open space opposite our house. I cannot walk far but I enjoy a little walk and a lie down on a blanket away from the path. I really can’t see how this is going to spread the coronavirus.
Peter Holland, Birmingham
■ I’m classed as vulnerable and can’t go outside. It’s frustrating but if it means we get over this virus faster, that’s my duty. I can’t understand those who think they are above the rules and medical advice. Think about others for once.
Many have written or liked things on social media in support of our NHS but if people continue to ignore the rules, more will have to go to hospital, more will die and the country will have to go on a total lockdown.
Ruth, Hertfordshire
■ While families in flats without their own outside space need parks for exercise, there’s a difference between an hour’s walk and sunbathing or having a barbecue. Sadly, the clusters of infection were inevitable. It would be a shame if the idiots ruined it for the majority of us.
Natalie, Bedfordshire
■ We have to allow people to have the freedom to exercise in green spaces – as long as they keep the ‘Peter Crouch’ (two-metre) social distancing rule.
Roger Prowse, Purley
■ I took my allowed exercise walk on Sunday in our local wooded area of Esholt, West Yorkshire, only to find half the local population there. I’ve never seen it so busy. I love going outdoors but we’re meant to be on lockdown and only allowed out to shop and for medical reasons. Other countries are managing to do this.
Annoyed, via email