Let’s keep our distance – even when the sun shines

Sunrise

The leader of the council is calling on everyone in the borough to carry on following social distancing guidelines; even during warmer weather when people may be more tempted to break the rules.

Warm weather and rising temperatures are forecast for parts of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, which may entice people to get outdoors more or make unnecessary journeys, which goes against the government guidance aimed at slowing the spread of the killer disease and saving lives.

Thousands of lives have already been lost to coronavirus across the country and more could be put at risk if people do not stick to the social distancing measures that were introduced last month. The government has said that you should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Police now have the power to fine or charge anyone not complying with the guidance.

Council leader Allen Brett said: “We have had a largely positive response to the social distancing measures introduced by the government and people are doing what they can to help stop the spread of coronavirus, for which I thank them. I know that for some it will be hard, frustrating and difficult to deal with but we must all carry on doing what we can to stop this terrible virus which has already killed thousands of people in our country.”

The council has taken a number of steps to close outdoor facilities that can attract large groups of people, including closing playgrounds, car parks, Hollingworth Lake Country Park and visitor centre, theatres, and museums.

Councillor Brett added: “We have taken the difficult but necessary decision to close a number of our outdoor facilities to help prevent large numbers of people gathering. There is so much stunning scenery on our doorstep and the temptation is always there to get out and about, especially over Easter. I would urge people to stay indoors as much as possible to help save lives and protect the NHS. The more people stick to the government advice on social distancing and daily exercise, the quicker we can begin to get back to normal life and get our borough back open for business.”

The council is working with other local agencies to help combat coronavirus and is providing support to people who are most at risk from the disease. Four coronavirus hubs have been set up and are distributing food and supplies to people who cannot leave their homes. If anyone needs support they should ring 01706 923 685.

For information about how local services have been affected by coronavirus and links to national guidance about how you can stay safe, see:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/coronavirus