Visitors advised 'not to come to Cornwall unless they've booked' as Covid cases rise
Head of Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, says we need to "triple our efforts" to stop the spread of the virus
Last updated 25th Aug 2021
Tourism bosses are asking people not to come to Cornwall unless they have booked, amid the surge in coronavirus.
The Duchy recorded more than 4,000 cases in the week to last Thursday (August 19th).
That gives us a case rate of 718.3 per 100,000 people, which is one of the highest in the country.
Figures and case rates for your area can be found on Public Health England's interactive map
The head of Visit Cornwall says people should aim to "treble their efforts" to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Chief Executive Malcolm Bell is urging residents and visitors to get vaccinated, stick to the guidance on 'Hands, Face Space' and to test regularly.
Mr Bell told the PA news agency: “We are asking people not to come unless they have booked ahead and request they take a lateral flow test before, during and after (their) stay so that (people) can be safe and help us to manage the current spike".
At a briefing on Monday Cornwall Council's Public Health Team said it was investigating 4,700 cases of coronavirus with a suspected link to the Boardmasters festival, which took place nearly two weeks ago.
The cases are spread across the country but officials said around 800 are living in Cornwall.
Malcolm Bell said: “There is concern and most local residents will be happier in a week or so, when the peak season is over and an older demographic visits as there are too many occurrences of overcrowding in honey pots.
“We are asking visitors to look at visiting other parts of Cornwall.
“We have over 300 beaches and lovely parts that can cope with visitors".
He added that the vaccination programme in the Duchy was in “full flow” and asked people due to arrive to be patient with businesses who are short staffed and to book ahead with activities.