Please stay away from Brighton & Hove this Easter

Easter is normally a chance to unwind and enjoy the first long weekend of the year – but this Easter will be unlike any other and for NHS staff, carers and other key workers there will be no chance to relax. 

That’s why it’s essential that we all play our part in protecting the NHS and all those working tirelessly on our behalf. 

That means not taking a trip to the coast, not meeting up with friends, not sunbathing on the beach or taking a dip in the sea, and not having a picnic in the park, for example. 

Last weekend so many people were on our seafront and beaches on Saturday that at times it became impossible to maintain safe social distancing, and so once again we are appealing to people: Please stay away from Brighton & Hove. 

And we are asking local residents to follow the government guidelines by only going out when absolutely necessary, exercising close to home (either on your own or with people from your own household) and keeping a distance of two metres (six feet) from other people. 

Please note: 

• Our parks and open spaces remain open for exercise, but please do not use them for sunbathing, yoga, picnics, football, cricket, or golf, for example 
• Playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment, and skate parks are closed to protect everyone’s health, as play and sports equipment can be a breeding ground for germs 
• Joggers and cyclists need to keep their distance and be aware of people around them - this isn’t a time to be focusing on personal bests 
• Don’t swim in the sea - our emergency services are already strained and if people get in trouble while swimming it doesn’t protect our NHS 
• Stay local and don’t drive anywhere to go exercising - emergency services and breakdown services don’t want to have their focus diverted by preventable road accidents 

I know these messages may sound draconian, but we need to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe.  

It’s hard being inside and not seeing friends and family, particularly at Easter with a sunny weekend in prospect, but our action now will help to save lives. Later in the year we can enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer once again 

Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. 

Councillor Nancy Platts 

Leader of the Council