HOTELS and attractions in Cornwall could fold due to the lockdown, as experts warn up to 80 per cent of businesses could close for good unless they are able to open for the summer.
Visit Cornwall chief executive Malcolm Bell issued the stark warning as the coastal region has seen tourist numbers plummet due to the pandemic.
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He explained to Sky News that Cornwall was also suffering after Easter, a usually busy time for the tourist industry, as caravan parks, hotels and food establishments had been forced to close their doors.
He said: “For the worst-case scenario, which we hope won’t happen, if this went through to August we’d be talking about £1.2bn worth of lost earnings. According to our research that could be the end for 80 per cent of the business.”
This could mean resorts, cafes and restaurants could fold if they are unable to stay afloat.
He explained this was because “many businesses are close to their overdraft limit” adding that not only is there no money coming in, but customers are also seeking refunds.
However, he added that just 5 per cent may suffer if the industry can restart by May or June, something Mr Bell previously said could happen if “we all work together” by following the restrictions.
Cornwall relies on the tourist industry during the holiday season, which has been shuttered by coronavirus.
Locals and local authorities have warned people to stay away, including those with second homes, to reduce the pressure on limited health services in the area.
Their #ComeBackLater campaign is asking people to avoid the area until the lockdown is lifted.
The tourist boards along with emergency service authorities and local establishments have all urged people to stay away.
According to local media, the message states: “Do not come – how dare you put yourself before the lives of others.”
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The county could be able to re-open before the rest of the country, according to former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, due to their low numbers of coronavirus, according to Cornwall Live.
Less than 400 people have been confirmed to have the virus, with 58 deaths reported.
He explained that implementing testing and community contact tracing could prevent lockdowns, with low-case areas such as Cornwall and York being able to trial the new measures.
He added: “We could start seeing if it’s possible to lift the lockdown by replacing it with this testing and contact tracing”.
Gorden Ramsey has been slammed by Cornish locals for self-isolating in his second home in the country.
Social media users claimed he had ignored government guidelines, with one person writing: “Cornwall MPs have specifically asked for people with a second home not to do this.
“You might be rich and famous but you’re not special and you’re setting a bad example! Really disappointing.”
The chef has since hit back – donating £10,000 to the NHS after making a burger on Instagram Live.
He then said: “”I’m not going to eat this. I’m going to give it to the neighbours next door. Hopefully that might put a smile on their face.”
