DEVON and Cornwall have warned people that they are SHUT during Easter and warns tourists not to visit amid the coronavirus lockdown.
For the first time ever, the two regions have advised people to not travel to the popular holiday destinations.
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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.”
The two counties are some of the most popular destinations to visit during the holidays, particularly in Easter and the summer, with beaches and seaside resorts full of tourists.
However, they are now telling people not to visit following government guidelines to avoid all but essential travel, which is limited to exercise, work and food.
Their new campaign #ComeBackLater asks visitors to go on holiday to the counties when the coronavirus pandemic is over.
Brits with holiday homes along the coastlines have also been slammed for leaving the city to self-isolate in the south, raising fears of additional pressure on local resources and healthcare.
Last week, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer told BBC Breakfast following high visitor numbers across Devon and Cornwall: “If a £60 ticket makes you do something and 684 people dying yesterday didn’t, then I think you’ve got to take a good look at yourself as to whether you’ve realised the seriousness and significance of where we are.”
Malcolm Bell, the Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall, warned it will cost the economy £800million, but could see the lockdown being lifted by June if people abide by the rules.
He explained: “In our region if we all work together, we could be open again in June, possibly earlier.”
Some shops in Cornwall are now only serving locals, and asking those they don’t recognise to show proof of residence.
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Road blocks have also been set up in Plymouth, Devon, and in Cornwall, while across the country police have started using checkpoints to stop vehicles and ask drivers if their journey is essential.
If you cannot provide the police with a valid travel reason while driving, you could be issued with a £60 spot fine, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks.
The fine will double to £120 for a second offence.
