Test before you travel here, Cornwall urges visitors

STAYCATIONERS have been told to get a coronavirus test before visiting Cornwall by tourism bosses ahead of the summer holiday dash.

Visit Cornwall and Cornwall Council are encouraging people to order a pack of lateral flow tests and ensure they are negative before they set off.

This is in line with government guidance, which says that everyone who does not have any symptoms should take the twice-weekly rapid tests.

Visit Cornwall has warned that while legal restrictions on social contact were lifted on Monday, “the Covid virus is still out there” and the “hands, face, space” slogan should be adhered to.

It said. “Be aware of the anxiety some may be feeling as they emerge from restrictions, and respect those who choose to wear masks.”

Tourists are also encouraged to help ease any potential strain on local health services by getting a vaccine when they are able, bringing their own medication, and “calling 111 instead of turning up at a local hospital unless it is a lifethreatening emergency”.

The current seven-day Covid case rate in Cornwall is 391.9 per 100,000 people. This is below the national average, which stands at 488 per 100,000.

However, it is still the highest caseload experienced by the region to date, with more than 2,000 infections recorded between July 10 and July 16.

Rachel Wigglesworth, director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Please enjoy your holiday and make wonderful memories here because it’s a special place, but remember that our local communities will have to live with the consequences if case numbers increase.”

Malcolm Bell, Visit Cornwall’s chief executive, added: “The virus will cause strains on our public and health services, as well as problems when staff must self-isolate in hospitality, so please be on your guard and be patient and understanding when disruptions happen.”