Lockdown-flouting snowball fight was a ‘laugh people needed’
A lockdown-flouting snowball fight that had to be broken up by police was “a welcome laugh that people needed”, according to one of the students involved.
Hundreds of young people broke England’s COVID-19 lockdown rules to take part in the event in Leeds.
The gathering in Hyde Park on Thursday afternoon was organised on Facebook, but was widely criticised on social media amid concerns over coronavirus infections.
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One student said the event was a ‘laugh people needed’ (Pic: @42adam42/TikTok)
Footage shows many of those involved not appearing to social distance and the crowd was later dispersed by police.
Adam, a 20-year-old student who did not wish to give his second name, said students from various universities were involved and non-students also took part.
“I think a lot of people were just in the park anyway enjoying the snow and joined in,” he said.
“It was a very welcome relief… a welcome laugh that people needed.
“I know many students who are extremely depressed, and stressed with online exams and have had little support.
“Mental health is equally as important as physical health… so many young people and students really have nothing to keep them going at this point.”
The gathering in Hyde Park was organised on Facebook (Pic: @42adam42/TikTok)
He added that he understood complaints about the gathering, but felt the risks of transmitting coronavirus had been low.
However, many condemned the display, noting that Leeds General Infirmary is just a short distance from the park.
“I know this is a students area but anyone can catch this virus and this seems pretty disrespectful to all the hard work going on (at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust),” tweeted @Ant8Johnson8.
Footage shows many of those involved not appearing to social distance (Pic: @42adam42/TikTok)
Lockdown rules in England say people can only leave home for a limited number of reasons, including exercise – but only with the same household, support bubble or one other person at a two-metre distance.
Liam Ford, 21, lives locally and witnessed the snowball fight when out walking with his girlfriend for their daily exercise.
“I have stuck by the rules since the first lockdown,” he said. “To go out and see so many breaking them – it was crushing.”
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