Virus warning as crowds flock to region’s beaches

PLEA TO FOLLOW RULES

PEOPLE have been warned Covid-19 “hasn’t gone away” after crowds descended on North East beaches.

Sunseekers were making the most of the weather on one of the hottest days of the year on Friday.

Large crowds headed for the coast as temperatures soared, and beaches including Cullercoats, Seaham, Saltburn and Tynemouth were all crammed with pop-up tents, picnics and foldable chairs.

Redcar and Cleveland councillor Steve Kay, said: “Nice weather doesn’t mean Covid has gone. We understand people wanting to enjoy the weather at the coast but we ask everyone to stick to the rules.

“Keep your distance from other people, wear masks where required indoors, including in museums, and wash your hands regularly.

“We just can’t risk a new spike in cases and measures will be enforced where necessary. The vast majority of people have used common sense and stuck to the rules, of course, and I want to thank everyone for coming together and doing their bit.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Friday the number of infections is rising for the first time since May.

The worrying resurgence, which is being mirrored in several countries around the world, has prompted the Government to postpone further easing of the lockdown and extend the use of face coverings.

Further restrictions are also being imposed on Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and Kirklees in West Yorkshire.

The same restrictions will also apply to Leicester, which saw the first so-called “local lockdown” imposed on June 29.