‘Do your bit to stop the spread of coronavirus’ - council bosses urge South Tyneside residents urged to stay at home over bank holiday weekend

South Tyneside Council is encouraging residents and visitors to keep away from the beaches, parks and coastline over the weekend despite the forecasted warm weather.

It comes as the Government’s coronavirus lockdown restrictions remain in place over the weekend as the country reaches the end of its seventh week.

Tom Hall, Director for Public Health at South Tyneside Council, said: “As we approach the bank holiday weekend, I have just one message for you. Please stay at home.

“Don’t come to our beaches, don’t come to our parks, don’t come to our seafront, please stay at home and do your bit to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“Despite the 75th anniversary of VE Day there will be no public celebrations or ceremonies.

“You must stay at home, as a household, with no visitors.

“As key workers do their best to keep our country going during this crisis, you can do your bit by staying at home, observing social distancing and following Public Health and government guidance.

“For now, enjoy your weekends at home.

“The beaches and parks will still be there once this is all over and together, we can get through this.”

Residents are also reminded to adhere to national guidance on social distancing within open spaces and that public gatherings of two or more people are not allowed.

Parks will remain open, but only for individuals and households located nearby to access for exercise once a day.

They are not open for people to gather in large groups or to use communal areas such as football pitches, playgrounds, picnic areas or to sunbathe.

South Tyneside residents can take part in VE Day commemorations – a three-day national celebration at home, running from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10– through the council’s social media channels.

Mr Hall added: “Staying at home may be difficult, but it is the single most important action you can take in order to protect yourself, others and the NHS.”

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