I doubt that street closure will help social distancing. Sunday, I drove East on Santa Cruz Ave. Lots of people of all ages were out walking. I saw two young school-aged girls walking side by side with masks on. Other than that, no one I saw wore masks or distanced themselves. At Walgreens, Trader Joe’s and Safeway because of strict line markings and mask requirements people did keep apart 6ft. I also spent over 3 1/2 hrs at Fremont Park where groups were gathered. Although the groups were separated, the only group sitting 2-3 ft apart FROM EACH OTHER were the seniors and only a few amongst them wore masks for any length of time. Other groups, family and friends, didn’t distanced themselves AT ALL AND WORE NO MASKS. One group consisted of 15+, mid-aged range, adults practically stood on top of each other and gave no thought to social distancing. From these observations, I surmised that the only people distancing are people who are by themselves, otherwise, if with family or a friend, people “feel” safe walking side by side. I question whether closing street will change that pattern. A few years ago, one side street was closed off unsuccessfully. Driver’s found it disconcerting to not be able to turn where they had expectations of doing so. Seniors, particularly those with memory issues and shortened reaction-time struggled with anxiety concerning sudden stops. causing accidents. I speak fro personal experience since I am now 80, myself. Change in routine driving Experience creates confusion. Debi Reif Sent from my iPhone Received on Mon May 11 2020 - 19:24:54 PDT
