Social distancing sign to prevent the spread of COVID-19

A3 laminated sign “Social Distancing You must follow social distancing guidelines NO GROUP GATHERINGS STAY AT LEAST 2 METRES APART AT ALL TIMES”, with The Royal Parks logo, to remind people of measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, 2020

Staying at least two metres apart and not socialising with anyone you did not live with was the strictest version of social distancing in England. People were reminded of the rules by signs and by staff or police. Rules changed during the pandemic to allow limited groups to meet outdoors and to form support bubbles.

Access to green spaces has been a huge part of some people’s experiences of national lockdowns, helping physical and mental wellbeing. When restrictions only allowed for one trip outside of homes a day, many headed to local parks. The Royal Parks remained open throughout all the national lockdowns.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that access to green spaces is unequal based on geographic location, jobs, housing types, amenities, and the quality of the space. Early research found that the pandemic worsened access in some cases.