Please Stay at Home This Easter

People are being urged to stay at home during the Easter break amid the coronavirus lockdown.

South Tyneside Council is encouraging locals and visitors alike to stay away from the beaches, parks and coastline this bank holiday weekend despite the forecasted warm weather.

The advice follows social distancing measures put in place by the government in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Guidelines state that people should stay at home except to buy food, medicine, for one form of exercise or to go to work, and all non-essential travel is now prohibited.

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.

"I know that Easter is a time for family gatherings and celebration but this Easter is different. This Easter 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.

There are still many ways for people to remain active whilst staying at home. Sport England have launched a 'Stay in, work out' campaign and have a variety of resources on their website www.sportengland.org to keep everyone moving.

Taking care of your mind as well as your body is also important while staying at home. There are some great tips on looking after your mental health, specifically during the coronavirus lockdown, as part of the 'Every Mind Matters' campaign. This includes things you can do to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and how to cope with how you may be feeling whilst staying at home.

Tom Hall added: "It is extremely important that we remember to look after both our body and mind during this difficult time. There are lots of really useful resources available out there and we should all use this extra time to really focus on our own health and wellbeing.

"People can exercise once per day either alone or with members of their household, however, this should be from your home. Please do not to travel to a beauty spot to carry out your daily exercise.

"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."