Visitors warned to stay away from resort until May
TOURISTS can look forward to returning to Skegness during the May bank holiday, but council bosses on the coast are urging people to stay away until then.
Lincolnshire County Council fear a “massive surge” in visitors to the seaside town this bank holiday weekend could trigger a rise in coronavirus cases.
Councillors for the east coast resort are urging people to put off their visit for a few more weeks, by which time most adults will have been offered a Covid-19 vaccination.
The appeal comes after the Stay at Home rule was lifted last Monday, just as warm weather arrived.
Although the rules no longer require people to stay at home, the government is still asking people to minimise travel and work from home where possible.
Lincolnshire County Council’s economy portfolio holder and councillor for Ingoldmells, Colin Davie, said it is vital there is no upsurge in case numbers due to the bank holiday weekend.
He said: “It’s vital people who are planning a visit to the coast recognise that most facilities will not be open and they should reflect on that before making the journey.
“If they do intend to visit the coast, they must remember hands, face, space. It is essential that we do not get any upsurge in virus cases, otherwise it will delay the next stage of the government’s plans to release the country out of lockdown.
“The peak summer season is essential for the economy of the coast to recover, and with poor weather predicted we urge people to delay any journeys until the bulk of the facilities are open and available to them.
“I very much look forward to the bank holiday at the end of May, as the real beginning of a return to normality in regards to coastal tourism. I know residents are fearful of a massive surge in visitor numbers. My message is to be careful and be cautious.
“We’re only a few weeks away from the whole population being vaccinated.”
Mablethorpe councillor Graham Cullen said: “I think there have been concerns from people that we’re going to be busy. The week after, we will have the caravan sites opening back up and businesses, and I anticipate we’ll be busy then.”
The government is hoping to lift further coronavirus restrictions on April 12 when shops, hairdressers and other businesses will be able to reopen. Holidays in self-catered accommodation will also be allowed.