As the long Easter weekend approaches and good weather for Good Friday is expected, Luke has called for people to stay away and come back later. Second home owners are being encouraged not to travel to the south west and tourists are being asked to stay away to slow the spread of the virus.

There are concerns that people are travelling to the south west to self-isolate and south west MPs, from all parties, are asking them to stay away.

Luke said:

“People in Plymouth have responded really well to the calls to stay at home and slow the spread of the virus. We must keep that resolve over the sunny Easter weather otherwise we risk a huge increase in Coronavirus cases and that will lead to more deaths.

 

I would normally be calling for tourists to visit our brilliant attractions and eat in our restaurants and cafes but at this time of crisis, we need people to stay away. The south west is a beautiful part of the country and we will remain a great place to visit after the virus. In the meantime my message to people thinking about coming to the south west or visiting their second homes is simple: come back later, please don’t risk the spread of the virus by travelling to the south west for Easter.”

Luke is also encouraging local people not to sunbathe in parks and to ensure that while exercising or shopping for essential supplies people follow sensible social-distancing guidelines.