Northumberland residents urged to stay at home over Easter weekend

Local authorities have joined forces with partner organisations and the emergency services to produce a short video to ensure everyone gets the message to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “There has been a fantastic community response to this crisis and I’d like to thank everyone who has followed the Government’s clear advice which is helping save lives.

“With the Easter holidays now here, I’d make a further appeal to everyone to do the right thing and stay at home. It’s a difficult time for everyone but these are exceptional circumstances.

“It’s critical every single one of us heeds the Government’s messages to not go out unless strictly necessary. Following this guidance will help save many lives.”

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, of Northumbria Police, said: “My heartfelt thanks go out to the overwhelming majority of people who are adhering to the restrictions in place and ultimately saving lives.

“It is important we all continue to play our part to protect family, friends, neighbours and wider community from the devastating impact of Coronavirus – together we can make a real difference.

“Our officers will continue to talk with members of the public to explain the restrictions and encourage people to follow them. However, if it becomes the case that people are putting others at risk, we are committed to taking the necessary steps to stop this from happening.”

Tony Gates, chief executive, Northumberland National Park, added: “Government advice is clear that people should not be travelling to Northumberland National Park at this time for recreation and that everyone should be observing social distancing requirements.

“During the past few weeks people have been adhering to government advice and we would like to thank everyone for following the guidelines. It is important we all continue to do so; it is in all our interests to Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.”

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