It has been reported that some paths are being used more than usual.
Before you set off for a walk along, please consider whether you will be able to keep to the 2 metre distancing rule. Many paths – especially along riverbanks – are narrow and it is impossible to distance yourself from walkers coming in the opposite direction.
Making the river path one way is unnecessary and will not work. Walkers walk at different speeds and when one wishes to pass another the length of time for the pass will be longer than passing in opposite directions and therefore more risky. Leave things as they are. If anyone is concerned they can move down the bank and then rejoin the path after passing.
Those people who perceive the risk as too great can use one of the other walks in the area. If this path is made one way then all others should be too. This is entirely impractical.
The council should not listen to one or two vociferous individuals who are overly cautious and reactionary. Credit parishioners with more common sense and the ability to resolve this minor issue pragmatically, as we, and others, did today several times walking in Cotehele woods.
Thank you. The Parish Council has no plans to close the path or make it one-way. We are reminding people of government guidance and hope that people will act responsibly to ensure risk to others is minimised.
The WHO recommendation for social distancing is 1m from anyone coughing or sneezing. The virus needs airborne droplet transmission, or physical touch followed by touching the face, so from a scientific point of view it is safe to walk the river footpath, and pass quickly by someone without coughing or sneezing, even though on a narrow section you might briefly be a tad closer than 2m. Holding a conversation at under 1m with someone coughing and sneezing would not be wise, and 2m gives double safety, not least because who can judge 1m accurately. These things need to be kept in perspective. It is possible to contract the virus by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your face, and it is not yet know how long contamination can last, so leaving the gate open is a sensible precaution.