Editor

I note the recent letters on the restrictions on leisure facilities.

Cllr Mark Strong said this had been done with a ‘heavy heart’. I am interested in whether these decisions were made on the basis of any evidence? As far as we know, this is not happening in any other county in the UK and Welsh Government is certainly not advising it. Research has shown that physical activity significantly increases mental and physical health at a time when Covid-19 is socially isolating us. It is needed more, not less. Physical and mental health support a good immune system - that we all need right now.

Also Cllr Strong makes no mention of the fact that the staff in some of our leisure facilities have gone to extraordinary lengths to make our gyms and swimming pools incredibly safe. As it is, the only swimming pool in miles is mostly empty and in danger of closure through under use. Meanwhile people are being forced into small local gyms with only limited capacity.

We all want to keep our loved ones well, and one way to do that is to base decisions on scientific evidence and do all we can to give people socially distanced, safe, access to the facilities that can keep them healthy.

Dr Rachel Lilley Co-director, Aberystwyth Behavioural Insights Research Centre

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