Coronavirus lockdown has meant that UK citizens have been forced to remain indoors to protect themselves from the ongoing pandemic. The UK Government has told people that they are only allowed to travel internationally if it is “essential”. Boris Johnson’s Government has also said that the British public has to remain indoors except for one hour of daily exercise and for essential shopping purposes.
Yet, last weekend when parts of the UK saw temperatures rocket to a staggering 21C, many people ventured outdoors to meet up with friends and sit in parks despite the Government’s lockdown rules.
The rules also stipulate that people should remain two metres away from each other in public spaces which has led to huge queues outside shops and Post Offices.
Now, police have been put in place once again in order to urge people to stay away from one scenic hotspot this Easter.
Police on Northern Ireland’s Unesco World Heritage-ranked north coast are telling people to stay at home as Easter weekend looms on the horizon.
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Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay explained how the weather will make people want to go outside.
He said: “With warmer weather forecast and the longer, lighter days following the clocks changing, many people will want to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air this weekend so I am urging everyone to continue to follow the health advice; stay at home to prevent the spread of infection.
“The very simple health advice is that you should only leave home when it is absolutely essential and it is encouraging that the vast majority of people do appear to be following the health guidelines.”
The police have said that people can travel for the purpose of work (providing it is essential) or to prove voluntary or charitable services.
The police commander added: “The legislation does not, however, provide that you may travel for the purpose of exercise and therefore, like our colleagues in health, we would advise you not to do this.”
This means that if people live even in driving distance to a stunning hotspot, they should not be driving to go and exercise.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sean Bateson explained that essential travel does not include visits to holiday homes either.
He said: “This will be an Easter bank holiday weekend like no other and it’s crucial that we continue to do whatever we can to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“Essential travel does not include visits to holiday houses, or caravans.
“Stay at home, protect yourself, your family, friends, neighbours and the wider community.
“Measures around social distancing and travel are in place to keep us safe, but they will only work if we all play our part.”
