Tourist spots eerily quiet as Easter weekend begins
A SUNNY bank holiday weekend usually means Wales’ beaches, cafes, parks and favourite seaside spots are packed.
But the scenes of Easter 2020 are unprecedented.
The beaches are empty, the cafes have shut their doors, the amusement arcades are boarded up and even parts of the coast path are closed.
There are police roadblocks along all major routes.
The authorities are patrolling hotspots and council leaders are telling the public to stay away.
Nearly three weeks have passed since Boris Johnson gravely announced to the nation everyone must stay at home in order to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
It’s taken a while for this message to sink in and some continue to try and flout the official guidance, like going crabbing or booking Airbnb accommodation.
But the new rules, put in place by the UK and Welsh Government, have come with a heart-breaking and catastrophic price attached for the tourism industry.
There was somethng very eerie about the scenes at Porthcawl and Barry Island.
Every bank holiday, you can count on thousands flocking to the popular seaside resort to enjoy the sunshine. But not this year.
The rides at Coney Beach Pleasure Park in Porthcawl are still and silent.
Penarth was also quiet, with just a few people seen out enjoying a walk in the sunshine.
In Cardiff city centre yesterday, police officers were seen patrolling as they make sure people are abiding by the measures.
The carousel in Cardiff Bay was also out of action with just a few cyclists and walkers out and about.
In Llandaff Fields, where the trees are in full blossom, it looked as though people were listening to the social distancing rules and exercising alone.
Major routes that would have been busy for the bank holiday rush, such as the M4, were very quiet.