Yorkshire Coast Visitors Asked to Respect COVID Rules

Visitors to North Yorkshire’s coast and countryside are urged to be respectful and responsible and to avoid behaviour that could increase Covid-19 infections and jeopardise further lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The ‘stay at home’ rule ended last Monday, but people were encouraged to minimise their journeys. Outdoor gatherings of up to six people or two households are allowed, but social distancing rules remain in place.

North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum (NYLRF), working with the county’s National Parks and tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, is reminding people of the importance of sticking to the guidance while enjoying the greater freedoms.

Louise Wallace, North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health, said:

“Many of us are eager to take advantage of the easing of restrictions to get out into the open air. The opportunity to do so, and to meet limited friends and family, is good for our mental and physical wellbeing, but we must behave safely and responsibly.”

People who travel are reminded that many facilities will not be open. Public toilets may be closed and eating places can be used only as takeaways. Hand hygiene facilities will be limited. Outdoor hospitality will not open before 12 April.

To prevent overcrowding that could increase the risk of infection, we are being asked to think twice about visiting tourist hotspots.

The advice from the Local Resilience Forum is :

• If you arrive somewhere and find it busy, consider returning another day or going somewhere less crowded nearby.
• Please respect the countryside and the people who live and work there. Park considerately and take litter home. Stick to paths, particularly when passing through farms or farmland.
• Keep your Covid kit – face coverings and hand sanitiser – with you at all times. Maintain social distance and hand hygiene and wear face coverings where required.

Tom Hind, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park commented:

“We really welcome people back to the National Park and recognise the undoubted benefits to people’s health and wellbeing of spending time in nature in this beautiful landscape. We only ask you bring your considerate behaviour toward others with you, respect the local residents and farmers who live and work in the National Park, and follow the Countryside Code.”

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire James Mason said:

“As the days stay brighter for longer and lockdown has started to lift, the urge to get out and enjoy the beautiful county of Yorkshire is even more appealing than ever. We welcome and value visitors to the region’s vibrant cities, tempting towns, breathtaking countryside, spectacular coastline and encourage everyone to support local businesses who have been hit hard over the last year.

“However, it’s really important to please respect residents, follow the countryside code, take litter home and leave these stunning sites and lovely locations for others to enjoy. Stay safe everyone and have a great day out, following Government guidelines.”

Louise Wallace added:

“While there is no limit on how far you can travel, we’re asking people to use their common sense to consider what is appropriate.

“Infection rates are still too high. Unnecessary social mixing will spread the virus and undo everyone’s hard work. Let’s keep going, so that we can continue to unlock summer.

“And remember, we cannot meet anyone from another household indoors. In the Government’s road map, this won’t be allowed until 17 May at the earliest.”

Those visiting the countryside are reminded that this is the season for lambs, calves and ground nesting birds, so particular care needs to be taken in ensuring your dog or excitable puppy is under control, preferably keeping them on a lead. The latest version of the Countryside Code can be downloaded at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code