SOME weeks ago, on our health pages, I wrote about the need for more kindness in our daily lives. I could not have foreseen how timely that call was to be, and heaven knows we need all the kindness we can get in these troubled times.

However, it is worth remembering that kindness is a two-way street and to earn it, and to be respected, we must show it. In these lockdown, self-isolating and frightening days, more and more people are turning to social media. This can be for information, social interaction and amusement.

What many are also finding is vitriol, criticism and blame being bandied about, often with no care for the hurt, worry and stress being caused.

The blame game is an easy one to play, and is often an instinctive reaction to a situation about which the accuser may not have all the information to hand. Social media often means that people see the headlines and do not read the small print or the important details. It would be great if everyone took a deep breath and did some research before they take to the airways, print or internet to vent their anger or anguish.

Don’t get me wrong – I understand fully that people are worried and fearful – I am too. That is natural. However, I cannot accept as fair some of the commentaries that have taken place regarding the decision to continue with racing – in the strictest protocols possible agreed with Government bodies – and which will ensure that many people will continue in employment.

Were these actions to impinge on the nation’s health in a real way, or on an individual’s health, I would be the first to call for them to cease. Nothing is foolproof, not even going to the local shop for groceries, but if we all act in a responsible manner then we are doing the best for ourselves and for a wider community.

I appreciate that some will not agree with me, and that is their right and I respect that. I do not for a moment suggest that I am certain to be proved right, but I sincerely hope that I am for everyone’s sake. I am sure even those with a different point of view will hope for the same.

Now is a time for unity of purpose, keeping as much normality as is possible in our lives, and together we can win this war. In the meanwhile, could the keyboard warriors please agree to a truce and can we all focus our energies at this critical time on staying positive, calm and well?