Dorset Police and Dorset Council are asking people not to drive to a beach, park or local beauty spot this weekend to stop people congregating and not observing social distancing.
Last weekend saw record numbers at beaches and parks around the country and the agencies are keen for there not to be a repeat this weekend.
Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council Portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said:
“Following our recent video on facebook and twitter I want to stress to all our residents and potential visitors I ask you to please, please, do not come to Dorset this weekend, please don’t go out to our numerous beauty spots.
“Even if you feel well now you could be carrying the virus. We all want to enjoy Dorset in our futures please do not take that opportunity away from yourselves and your loved ones”.
Beach and harbour car parks will be closed to everyone but existing permit or season ticket holders.and the Police will intervene with all gatherings of more than two people in public.
The advice is to stay home and exercise from there.
Would it not be simpler to just euthanise the whole population? It is absurd not to be able to go to the beach. You are going too far and there is No Law so you close the car parks. How mean spirited is that
Its not a question of being “mean-spirited” – this is about containing a highly-infectious disease that can kill vulnerable people. Providing the means for people to congregate in large numbers and continue its spread is both irresponsible and contravenes central government health advice. This is not a normal situation and everyone needs to recognise that they will not be able to just go about doing what they usually would for a limited amount of time.
Dear Penelope, if you think not going to the beach is mean, may I suggest you watch some of the television footage that is coming out of Italy.
I think it rather more mean that people indulge themselves on the beach and put the lives of more vulnerable members of society at risk, whilst adding further stress and strain on our NHS, emergency services and other groups working hard to manage this situation.
If we are sensible and follow the advice coming from experts then we stand the best chance of defeating this virus spread and resuming normal life as quickly as possible. This is an ever changing situation and may get worse before it gets better. Lets not make that because a few people do not adhere to the social distancing… Please
People in our local area are just nkt adhering to the guidelines. We’re walking our dogs once daily now to minimise risk but despite this people are still driving up to Maiden Castle car park to exercise their dogs! Guys this is not an essential journey. Walk local as you’ve been told. Stop being so selfish.
Thank You for your information.