Let’s go alfresco to beat Covid-19

Letter to the Times about alfresco living

Dear Sir/Madam

I wonder why it has escaped our politicians notice, that it’s essential for them to do all in their power to incentivize the country to embrace going alfresco to combat Covid-19 even though the season has now changed and become more inclement.

alfresco walking

It was an aspiration back in the Spring and Summer which was mostly enjoyed, however not enough in my opinion. I would have more than encouraged all the schools or shops and every cafe, pub and restaurant to embrace alfresco dining in the streets, parks and playing fields. Asking local councils to relax any restrictions. This is a unique emergency.

Unused marquees or gazebos and circus big top tents would have been a blessing and hiring them could have helped those businesses who couldn’t utilise them because of social distancing requirements.

But the political imagination wasn’t there.

I now believe that since autumn has come, going alfresco with suitable outdoor heating, covers , windbreaks has now become absolutely essential. On days where it’s just too inclement to open, then perhaps the establishments should temporarily close if they can’t open several windows etc. indoors to guarantee adequate ventilation.

Alfresco coffee and cake
Filter coffee and cake alfresco

I’m afraid the additional carbon released into the atmosphere is a temporary necessity to keep the country healthy and businesses or schools and colleges etc. functioning. I would also suggest those businesses above that can’t open outside entirely should consider creating as much ventilation as possible inside too.

I think we could all happily for one autumn/winter get used to wearing sweaters and coats most of the time and supporting all of the above establishments with enthusiasm when they are able to open. The wonderful  NHS could then be spared the height of the second wave of Covid which is now gaining increased momentum and an exit plan for those areas and in some sort of lockdown would be available.

Yours faithfully

Clive Holt

Clive Holt alfresco
Clive Holt