Holidaymakers heading for Cornwall urged to pack Covid tests as well as sun cream
A warning is going out as restrictions lift and schools break up for the summer holidays
Holidaymakers heading for Cornwall are being urged to pack Covid tests as well as their sun cream.
Visit Cornwall is asking visitors to plan ahead and respect local communities in holiday hotspots.
Officials have issued a warning ahead of the first weekend since restrictions lifted and as schools break up for summer.
Coronavirus cases are continuing to rise across Cornwall and the country - and the council says we can all play our part this summer by doing the public health basics, like testing, hand washing and being outdoors, avoiding busy areas as much as possible - especially when we are out and about.
This comes amidst concern from Cornwall communities that while the majority of visitors are respectful, a small minority see their holiday break as the perfect opportunity for a break from Covid.
As tourist hotspots get more and more busy everyone is being asked to try and keep a distance between people and wear a face covering if a business asks you to, as they are protecting their staff as well as you.
As cases rise across England, it makes it even more important that communities take things slowly and follow the cautious approach set out by the Government.
Visit Cornwall is advising all staycationers to:
" Test yourself and your family before setting out and while you are in Cornwall
" Get your jab when offered and make it a priority before you set out on holiday; ideally 14 days before hand so you have the most protection
" Help local health services by bringing your medication with you and calling your own GP if needed whilst away
" Please call 111 instead of turning up at a hospital, unless it's a life-threatening emergency. Our hospitals are working at full capacity, and with a higher than usual number of people visiting because of travel restrictions, we need your help to protect them from being overwhelmed
" Be aware of the anxiety some may be feeling as they emerge from restrictions
" Respect those who choose to wear masks
"We ask and hope that everyone on a day trip within Cornwall and the wider region, as well as our staying visitors we see this holiday season as a "Summer of Understanding". We all need to understand that the virus will have a great summer of spreading infection if we allow it to, by not sticking to the guidelines.
"The virus will also cause strains on our public and health services, as well as problems when staff must self-isolate in hospitality, so please be on your guard and be patient and understanding when disruptions happen - no one is responsible it is just life in the ongoing pandemic crisis.
"Please enjoy a great break or holiday, be on your guard and be patient and understanding".
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall
"We're glad that so many people want to come and spend time in our beautiful county, but we ask that you are respectful and help us to keep the virus under control.
"Please enjoy your holiday and make wonderful memories here because it's a special place - but remember that our local communities will have to live with the consequences if case numbers increase.
"Businesses might still have reduced numbers inside a venue or ask you to wear a face covering in small, enclosed spaces. And we ask that you also wear a face covering using our public transport".
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly