'Stay at home' warning issued as South Tyneside temperatures set to hit 21°c

This week, most of the UK will experience sunshine and clear skies as temperatures rise into the mid-20s.

The mini heatwave could peak on Wednesday as the ‘hottest day of the year’ so far with temperatures of up to 27°c in some areas and highs of 21°c in the North East.

People will likely be tempted to spend more time outdoors, particularly following the Government’s decision to ease coronavirus restrictions so that ‘unlimited’ exercise is allowed as well as sunbathing on beaches and in parks.

However, public health bosses in South Tyneside have urged people to stay at home as much as possible.

Director of Public Health in South Tyneside, Tom Hall, said: “We know that the hot weather will draw people outside, but we have been very clear that people should stay at home as much as possible.

“Despite a partial relaxation of the rules around travelling and exercise, restrictions very much remain in place. They are there to help protect our communities from the spread of coronavirus and ultimately to save lives.

“We would encourage people to enjoy the sun from their gardens and outdoor spaces where they can, but if they do need to leave the house, then we would urge them to take extra care.

“They must continue to follow social distancing rules to keep two metres away from anyone outside of their own household.

“We would urge people to continue following the advice of Public Health England and practice good hygiene and handwashing techniques.

“It is important that everyone adheres to national government guidance and does not do anything which would put themselves or others at risk.

“We appreciate the huge efforts of our residents who have followed the guidance to date and would ask them to continue to follow the advice. It is helping to save lives.”

South Tyneside Council reopened its coastal car parks on Monday (May 18) following revised government guidance around exercise and travelling.

This included Whitburn Bents, Marsden Lea, Trow Quarry, The Dragon, South Promenade South, South Promenade North, Pierhead, Pier Parade, Harbour Drive South and Harbour Drive North.

Car parks in Coulthard Park and Cornthwaite Park will also be reinstated as part of the rolling programme which includes public toilets.

Visitors to car parks are encouraged to use the cashless PayByPhone method of payment to pay for parking without using coins.

This enables people to start and extend their parking session using their mobile while helping to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus to other visitors and staff.

Visitors are advised to download the PayByPhone app before visiting car parks with registration taking less than 30 seconds.

Parking machines and key pads will also be cleaned regularly and on-street and off-street parking in town centres will continue to operate.

Details of council car parks and PayByPhone are available on the council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/parking

For further information and regular updates about the services affected by coronavirus, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/coronavirus

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