Why parks and beaches remain open to the public during the outbreak

Parks and beaches are remaining open during the coronavirus outbreak as health bosses urge the public to keep exercising.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 21st Mar 2020, 14:32 BST
Updated 21st Mar 2020, 14:33 BST
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With the likes of cinemas, restaurants, and pubs being forced to close under Government measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, many people feel they have no where to safely go.

But council officials are reminding the public that they are able to make use of parks and beaches if they wish to exercise.

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Durham County Council has had to close its leisure centres, libraries and venues until further notice and cancel all the events it had organised until the end of April as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The public will still be able to get fresh air and exercise at the likes of Seaham Beach during the coronavirus outbreak.The public will still be able to get fresh air and exercise at the likes of Seaham Beach during the coronavirus outbreak.
The public will still be able to get fresh air and exercise at the likes of Seaham Beach during the coronavirus outbreak.

The café and visitor centre at both Hardwick Park at Sedgefield and Wharton Park in Durham City, and The Lodge visitor centre at Blackhill and Consett Park, have all closed in response to the Government guidelines.

The authority has also cancelled its programme of guided walks for this year as it continues to monitor and act on all Government guidance aimed at limiting the spread of coronavirus.

But the council has stressed that beaches, parks and open spaces can still be visited – as long as people follow the Government advice of staying more than two metres from others.

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Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of environment, said: “We appreciate these are really difficult times for everyone and that there are some people who need to, or feel it is best that they, self-isolate at home.

The public will still be able to enjoy walks in the likes of Wharton Park, Country Durham, during the coronavirus outbreak.The public will still be able to enjoy walks in the likes of Wharton Park, Country Durham, during the coronavirus outbreak.
The public will still be able to enjoy walks in the likes of Wharton Park, Country Durham, during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Many people will feel like there is not many places left for them to go out and enjoy themselves at the moment but it is worth remembering that things like parks and beaches can still be visited as long as people heed the guidance about social distancing and when resting do not sit in groups.

“We have some wonderful parks in County Durham – be that Wharton, Hardwick, Riverside or Blackhill and Consett, and stunning beaches on the Heritage Coast like Seaham, and they all make great places to get away from it all.

“Equally the chief medical officer encouraged people to leave home and exercise earlier this week – our parks and coastline provide plenty of places to do exactly that.”

Related topics:Durham County CouncilGovernment