A Bath resident at risk of "severe illness" from coronavirus says he won't go outside as people photographed near his home appear to be failing to social distance.

John Walker, who lives at the Royal Crescent, said there was "little sign" of social distancing in Lower Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon (May 30).

The 81-year-old, who has Chron's disease, has been shielding indoors since March 12 and although he can now spend some time outdoors from today (June 1), he is choosing not to.


Mr Walker, a Bath resident of 40 years, says as people appear to continue to flout the rules in the city and across the country, he fears it may lead to increased infections.

"I took two photographs at the weekend of sunshine-seekers in Lower Victoria Park," he said.

"There was little sign of social distancing, perhaps due to the rule-breaking Cummings effect - 'do as I do, not as I say'.

Groups of people in Lower Victoria Park, near the Royal Crescent

"I'm happy to see people enjoying themselves, but I fear it may lead to an increase in those infected with the coronavirus.

"The photographs were taken from my third-floor flat in the Royal Crescent, overlooking the park, where, as someone at risk of severe illness from this wretched virus, I have been obeying the government instruction to stay at home."

People in England and Wales who have been asked to stay at home and shield can now go outside, while following social distancing rules, from today (June 1).

Mr Walker, who only has one kidney, fears a second peak is coming soon.

"It has got worse since Dominic Cummings did his little bit of rule-breaking," he said.

"I think everyone decided they would do the same and I think it has eroded the trust in the government rules.

"There is not a lot of people in the park during the weekdays, it is the weekends when the crowds gather.

"I have Chron's disease (a lifelong condition in which parts of the digestive system become inflamed).

"My immune system is suppressed and I have one kidney and the virus affects people's kidneys.

"I have heard of people have the dialysis procedure (where they remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly).

"I have had three letters from the NHS saying I should stay indoors. Now the shielding rules have lifted I can go for a walk. But I am not going out at the moment because of what I see out of my window.

"I feel there will be an increase in people with the virus and I will stay away until the second wave is over.

"I don't think this (people failing to social distance) is fair on anyone.

"The people out in the park appear to be young and I am glad they are having fun. If one person has coronavirus then it will spread to many others and then they may take it back to their parents or grandparents.

"I am sure the R-number will soon be above one. I think this is happening in parks across the country."