'Better to be safe than sorry' - What you said about changing the two-metre social distancing rule

The World Health Organization recommends ‘a minimum’ of one metre for social distancing to slow the transmission of coronavirus.

There are increased calls for the Government to decrease the rule.

The hospitality sector says the change would enable more pubs, restaurant and venues to reopen to customers in July.

It is thought that a reduction would also allow schools in England to welcome more pupils back to the classroom.

This is what you said on the Northumberland Gazette Facebook page:

Mervyn WelIs: “The two-metre rule has a bit of a liberal interpretation, no one carries a tape measure. But it is easy to see if someone is a lot less. With a one-metre rule, there is no room for error, be less and there may as well be no rule at all.”

Julie Fenwick: “The rule needs to stay in place for a few more weeks, especially when the daily death rate is still over 200.”

Sue Allcroft: “I’ve read as much as I can about this and I think the one-metre rule has to be the answer, especially out in the fresh air. It will be the only way pubs and restaurants can start again.”

Max Bowyer: “No we must be guided by scientists and clinicians as they know best. Otherwise you’ll live to regret it.”

Matthew Robson: “WHO recommends one metre, and all but three other countries have reduced it to this (or in some cases 1.5 metres). It is killing the economy and will cost hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

John Strange: “Better to be safe than sorry, one metre and even 1.5 metres is too close.”

Caron Astley: “I am sticking to 2 metres no matter what the rules say.I don't think the R number has gone down enough.”

Graeme Appleby: “As a shielding person as well I won't be getting any closer than two metres on my walks.”

Jay Thacker: “Not until there is clear evidence that the virus is under containment.”

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