The Leader of Dover District Council has urged residents to use their local parks and open spaces responsibly as the country faces an Easter bank holiday weekend in lockdown. Cllr Trevor Bartlett is urging people to follow the Government’s advice to Stay Home, Protect the NHS, and Save Lives.
Cllr Bartlett, said: “This is no picnic! It’s vital that people use their local parks and open spaces responsibly during this public health crisis. We’re working hard to keep these public spaces open so that people can take exercise safely, but they must only do this alone or with members of their household.
“In general, residents across the district have been following the government advice, but we’re still seeing too many people travelling unnecessarily and subsequently meeting in larger groups and not social distancing.”
Dover District Council is reminding residents of the Government guidelines for visiting parks and open spaces:
- You can exercise once a day, alone or with members of your household
- Avoid unnecessary travel - stay local and use open spaces near your home
- Do not meet in groups - the police have powers to break up gatherings and issue fines
- Keep 2 metres apart from others at all times
- Do not use sports courts, playgrounds or outdoor gyms
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Dover District Council has relaxed the rules so people can stay local when walking their dogs. Public Spaces Protection Orders on where dogs can be walked have been temporarily suspended to help prevent unnecessary travel and curb the potential spread of coronavirus.
Cllr Bartlett, said: “We’re fortunate in the Dover district to have an abundance of parks and open spaces on our doorstep. With the relaxation of the rules on where you can walk dogs, there is even more reason to stay local and avoid unnecessary travel.”
Posted on 07 April 2020