People from Tier 3 urged NOT to travel to Cornwall as national lockdown ends
Tourism bosses are reassuring locals that the Duchy will not see an influx of visitors
Cornwall will not see an influx of visitors as we enter Tier 1 of the coronavirus restrictions.
That is the message from the Duchy's tourism boss as we become the only part of mainland England in the lowest level.
The only other areas also in Tier 1 are the Isles of Scilly and Isle of Wight.
Lockdown has now ended and most of the country is in either Tier 2 or 3, which limits thing like meeting indoors and going to pubs.
In Cornwall pubs can reopen and the rule of six applies.
It has sparked fears we could get more tourists down here in the Duchy.
"Influx of visitors? No way. It is the wrong time of year. Children are at school and most people are back doing work, this is not June. We will see some extra visitors but probably;ly less than the number of cancellations that we get."
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall
Malcolm Bell heads up Visit Cornwall. He says there are limits on people coming here for a holiday.
He is urging people from Tier 3 areas NOT to travel to Cornwall and warns that they may be turned away by accommodation providers.
So can people come and stay in Cornwall?
"The answer in Tier 3 is definitely not, unless there is an exemption, Tier 2 is yes provided they abide by the Tier 2 rules.
"I know so many businesses, if not the vast majority, are going through postcodes and contacting visitors. They are certainly telling people from Tier 3 that unless you've got a valid exemption, you shouldn't come to Cornwall.
"But I think a few people coming over the border from Devon to stay in a cottage and walk the dog, or stay in a hotel and stick to the rules, there is no harm in that and it actually helps the local economy."
Malcolm Bell, Visit Cornwall
But he is urging people to focus on keeping the Covid-19 infection rate low in the Duchy, by following all the guidelines.
"The way Cornwall will stop it rising is not by fixating on some extra visitors coming here, the virus is now in the community in Cornwall, don't worry is somebody comes from Camberley or Camborne, or Redruth or Reading, everybody should be keeping their distance, keeping their hands sanitised and washed and keeping their masks on."
Malcolm Bell
Although businesses are allowed to reopen across Cornwall, any visitors who do come down have been told they must adhere to the tier rules that apply to where they live.
“To have been placed in Tier 1 is a huge relief to many businesses across Cornwall, who will now be able to reopen in time for the holiday season.
“However, it will not be business as usual. We must remain vigilant and follow covid-safe guidelines, and we must also be mindful of the fact that visitors from across England must also adhere to the tougher tier two rules, even when they are visiting Cornwall.
“Those living in tier three areas are advised to avoid travelling to other areas altogether.
“This is good news for the hospitality industry across Cornwall, but we must remember that our priority must continue to be following the public health guidelines and ensuring we do not see a spike in case numbers going forwards.”
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall