Easter weekend

Easter weekend is on its way, and according to the forecast the weather will be dry and sunny. This is an opportunity for everyone to relax but remember lock-down restrictions still apply, requiring us all to stay at home.

It is vital you do not meet up with family or friends. The guidance on restrictions have been issued by the Government on the advice of UK public health professionals. 

Cllr Stuart Dark, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Emergency Planning / Covid-19 Response, said: "It's important that everyone takes note of the guidance we have been given. This is an unprecedented civil emergency, the like of which we have never seen before. Many lives have already been lost and many more are at stake if we do not follow the simple rules"

He urged people not to be tempted to take a drive out to the coast or a beauty spot. He added: "It is not appropriate to drive up to the coast and say you were doing your shopping and your exercise while you were there. The guidance is clear, you must stay in your local area to take your daily exercise including walking, jogging or a bike ride, and if you need to shop, you should do this as infrequently as possible and as locally as possible."

Residents were also reminded not to take the nice weather or the long weekend as an opportunity to BBQ, picnic or sunbath in public spaces. These activities can be enjoyed in your own garden but only with members of your own household who live with you. People are also reminded to be respectful of their neighbours when it comes to music and BBQ smoke. Everyone is feeling the pressure of being cooped up, so it is important to be mindful of those around you.

We're urging people not to travel to second homes for weekends and holidays in case they spread the disease and put extra pressure on local hospital and ambulance services. Households should all stay where they have been isolating and not be tempted to move between homes.

The message from Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, is: “It is an instruction and not a request to stay at home this weekend”.

Cllr Stuart Dark said: “I want to thank the many, many residents and their families who have abided by the guidance so far to protect their neighbours, communities and relatives, and I thank those businesses who have had to take the difficult decision to close to protect their staff and the wider public. It would be remiss of me not to also thank all the hardworking key workers and volunteers who are keeping the country running with care, food supplies, finance and other support during these extremely difficult times. Any of you who know or have seen items in the press or on social media from our local Queen Elizabeth hospital or from NHS staff further afield will know how hard our NHS colleagues are working to literally save lives. As well as applauding the efforts of them and all carers on Thursday at 8pm, you can now really help them in a meaningful way by resisting the urge to go out or have family and friends round. Please continue your commitment to stay home and help us all help each other". Everyone has a role to play in this, and staying at home if at all possible is a crucial part of this. We are all missing our friends and family at the moment but please don’t be tempted to meet up, not at home, not in your garden and not in public spaces. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms and you might not know you have it. You must behave as if you do have the virus and act accordingly. Please follow government advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Anyone tempted to visit the beautiful sites around Norfolk during the Easter weekend, is being asked to do it virtually via the Love West Norfolk website. Cllr Dark added: "There's lots to see and do, so people can plan a trip in the future to our outstanding county and we look forward to welcoming them in person once it is safe to do so. Until then share photos, messages and memories virtually.