‘Stay apart. Act responsibly. Save lives’
This is the message from the North York Moors National Park.
Although you are allowed to drive out and exercise out there, the National Park Authority is urging everyone to maintain social distancing.
They stress that outdoor exercise is only allowed if people are abiding by social distancing rules, which includes staying two metres apart from anyone not in your own household.
Facilities are closed
And they want you to know that most facilities in the North York Moors, including toilets, are closed and relaxation of restrictions on the tourism industry are not planned until July at the earliest.
The Authority recognises the importance of allowing those who have struggled to access open spaces since the lockdown to have this opportunity, however public health and safety is its top priority and so is urging everyone to act responsibly.
In a press release from the NYMNPA Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of the Authority said:
Unfortunately we cannot yet give you the welcome we would want. We must all act with caution and consider the potential impacts of not social distancing on local communities as well as other visitors. If you cannot keep two metres apart from those not in your own household, you are potentially spreading the virus and putting your own and others’ lives at risk.
We must also consider that large gatherings at beauty spots will only make social distancing incredibly difficult and so please still consider using open spaces close to your own homes. Lastly, we must remember that our battle with COVID-19 is far from won and so for now: Stay apart. Act responsibly. Save lives.
No camping
The Authority would also like to remind everyone that the Government has stated that leaving your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes, camping and motorhomes.
Fire Alert in place
The National Park also remains on fire alert and so no one should be lighting fires or BBQs in the open countryside. Such actions would also put unnecessary strain on the emergency services as they combat the coronavirus.
Lastly, if you do choose to head out into the North York Moors, please make sure that you are following The Countryside Code which you can find here.
To stay updated with the latest actions the Authority has taken in response to the coronavirus by visiting: northyorkmoors.org.uk/coronavirus
Photo credit: North York Moors National Park
