Private schools in London are asked to open their campuses for public exercise and recreational activities.
Open fields in private schools in London
During the lockdown, more people have the luxury of time to do recreational and wellness activities. Exercising has become a favorite past time of people nowadays. But with more people going out to exercise, public parks start to clog up, which deflects the guidelines for social distancing.
Since exercising is a good practice for mental and physical wellness of the citizens, especially against a virus that attacks a person’s immune system, the government decided to call upon private schools in London to allow public access to their open fields for exercise and recreational purposes.
The Health Ministry recognizes the need for physical activities, especially now that the majority of the workforce has been in homestay due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To maintain the mandate of social distancing, the government needs more free space for the public to exercise.
Suspension of classes in the U.K. makes private schools in London with huge open fields as a good venue for health-conscious citizens to do their exercising and meditation. Harrow School, for example, has an open space, which is at most a size of six football fields combined. Larger areas make social distancing much more possible.
Government adhering to citizens’ requests
An advisor to the government body managing the COVID-19 outbreak noted that hearing the appeal of the people such as this one can help gain their trust for easier implementation of government guidelines against COVID-19.
A simple request, such as more space for recreational activities, especially for those without private gardens, is a good way of reaching out to the public.
Instead of pressuring the public to comply through strict rules, maybe the government should try to go with a softer approach. says Prof. Stephen Reicher, a crowd psychology expert.
Prof. Reicher noted that in a pandemic we are in right now, everyone is fueled by fear, instigating additional fear might cause in a psychological snap that might even cause a problem rather than a solution.
