Sunderland seafront is quiet as coronavirus advice starts to sink in

Government calls for people to avoid public areas seem to be hitting homenote-0.
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There was concern more stringent controls may have to be imposed to restrict the spread of coronavirus after reports at the weekend of crowds flocking to parks and gardens and the coast as a result of the decision to close restaurants, cafes, pubs and other public buildings.

But despite many people being sent home from work and schools closing early for Easter, there was little sign of people flocking to Seaburn today.

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There were a few hardy souls braving the biting wind, but those who had ventured out seemed to be sticking to the advice not to congregate in large groups and to maintain a safe distance from each other.

Doug ReynoldsDoug Reynolds
Doug Reynolds
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Among those who had ventured to the seafront were Doug and Pat Reynolds, both 71. The couple live just a shot drive away, in Dykelands Road, and were making the most of what they fear could be a last chance to enjoy the promenade before tighter controls on movement are introduced.

“If it had been busy, we wouldn’t even have got out of the car,” said Pat. “We were going to come down on Saturday, but we didn’t bother.”

The couple say they are coping well with the current advice and are philosophical about the possibility of the country being put on lock-down.

Social distancing on Seaburn beachSocial distancing on Seaburn beach
Social distancing on Seaburn beach
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“We just have got to go along with what we are told,” said Doug.

Pat has been annoyed by the scenes of empty supermarket shelves on the nation’s TV screens.

“If people just did what they are supposed to do and once a month did a proper shop and stocked their cupboards, they wouldn’t have to panic buy,” she said.

Sixty-four-year-old Michael Wooler, from Sunderland, was making the most of his daily walk along the seafront, but was resigned to the fact it may soon be a thing of the past.

Walkers keep their distance on the promenadeWalkers keep their distance on the promenade
Walkers keep their distance on the promenade
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“What will be will be, you just have to take it as it comes,” he said.

“It still seems to be acceptable to go for a walk on your own and as long as I can do that, I will.”