Do not go out this bank holiday weekend – stay at home and save lives says Sevenoaks District Council
Residents in the Sevenoaks area are being urged to follow Government guidelines and stay at home during this Easter bank holiday weekend.
PARK LIFE: Visitors enjoying Knole Park prior to the coronavirus outbreak
There have already been reports of people driving to Knole Park and other local open spaces to take advantage of the sunny weather, but residents are being reminded that they should only leave their homes for essential groceries, medicine and to exercise once a day.
Visiting popular open spaces, including parks and beaches and unnecessary travel should be avoided, says Sevenoaks District Council, and that if you do need to leave the house, always stay at least two metres (six ft.) apart from other people.
Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member for ‘People and Places’, Cllr Lesley Dyball, said: “I want to say a big thank you to all our residents who are being vigilant with the social distancing guidelines. These are challenging times, but it is vitally important that we stick to the rules.
“Please do not travel to do your daily exercise and do not use parks for picnics or sunbathing. You should also not invite friends or family to your home for gatherings. We are all in this together and by following Government advice, we will go back to normal sooner.”
Use your common sense plea as the sun comes out
Sevenoaks District residents are being reminded to avoid unnecessary travel and popular open spaces as efforts continue to curb the spread of Covid-19.
With the current sunny weather, members of the Kent Resilience Forum including district and borough councils, along with Kent County Council, Kent Police and the train operator Southeastern, are reminding everyone to follow the Government’s advice by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Sevenoaks District Council cabinet member for ‘People and Places’, Cllr Lesley Dyball said: “It is ironic that just as we’re being asked to stay in for almost the whole day, the sun comes out. But as we battle this virus, common sense remains our biggest weapon and most people are using theirs.
“Please don’t travel to country parks to do your exercise and certainly don’t go to public places for picnics or social gatherings – stay close to home, only go out with members of your own household once a day for exercise and please avoid creating a crowd. We’re in this together and it is working.”
Government scientists say not getting too close to other people who do not live with you, otherwise known as social distancing, is important to defeating the disease but is incredibly difficult when lots of people are in the same place at the same time.
KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark added: “You need to stay two metres (six feet) away from other people – that’s either two very big steps or hold your arm out and then double that distance.
“Exercise is an important way to help your physical and mental health. If you can’t keep fit and healthy at home then the Government advice is for one trip out of your house each day for a walk or run. Stay close to your home and you should not drive unnecessarily or take public transport unless it is absolutely essential. We have to continue with a sensible approach to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and avoid the strain on the NHS.”
Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Faulconbridge said: “As part of their routine patrolling across the county, Kent Police officers are engaging with individuals and businesses to ensure they are adhering to the Government’s instructions around social distancing.
“Officers are engaging with those going against the instructions, explaining why they are necessary and encouraging them to comply, with enforcement being used only as a last resort. It is therefore pleasing that police enforcement has not yet been necessary by the police in Kent since legislation under the Coronavirus Act was introduced last week.
“I would like to thank the people of Kent for continuing to play their part at this difficult time by staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.”
For advice and information about coronavirus visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/coronavirus
#StayHomeSaveLives
