Letter to the editor: Social distancing is a dangerous experiment

I believe social distancing is an experiment on our emotional health. Humans need physical contact for our mental health, from babyhood through our adult lives. I fear social distancing will cause increases in spousal and child abuse, suicide, murders and other crimes.

When scientists studied babies in Romanian orphanages whose only human contact was when they were fed, bathed and changed — they were left to lie in cribs at a formative time when they needed human contact — they found that many of them suffered from social and emotional problems later in life.

As adults, when we are angry or upset, a handshake or hug can calm us. When we feel sad or hopeless, an arm around a shoulder can help simply by letting us know another human cares.

Social distancing may or may not protect people from covid-19, but it does nothing for their mental health, and I believe that is more important than the threat of passing along this virus.

As to masks, scientists don’t agree on whether wearing one will stop a person from contracting covid-19 or stopping the spread. In my opinion, it is social conditioning being pushed by individuals with a lust for power over the people. Not everyone can wear a mask. People like myself who already suffer from health problems cannot wear them. For the news media and others to question or shame them or refuse them entry into a business is tantamount to discrimination no different than shaming people for the color of their skin, hair or where they live.

John T. Watson

North Huntingdon