Sunderland city centre appears busy after six weeks of lockdown - this is how the city centre looked today compared to six weeks ago

Public health chiefs have again urged people to observe the rules on coronavirus lockdown as Sunderland city centre was busy with shoppers.
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Today’s bright sunshine saw the heart of the city busier than it has been for weeks – despite the fact the country remains subject to the rules brought in more than a month ago to limit the spread of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted today that the Government may begin to ease the restrictions as early as Monday – but today’s scenes suggested many people are already beginning to assume the worst of the crisis is over.

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Shoppers chilled out on benches in the warm weather and city centre car parks were busy.

Sunderland City Centre appeared busier on May 5 (pictured left) than it had been on March 24 (pictured right) the day after lockdown measures were first announced.Sunderland City Centre appeared busier on May 5 (pictured left) than it had been on March 24 (pictured right) the day after lockdown measures were first announced.
Sunderland City Centre appeared busier on May 5 (pictured left) than it had been on March 24 (pictured right) the day after lockdown measures were first announced.

While many shops are closed, those classed as selling essential items – such as food – are still open.

Today’s scenes were in stark contrast to the situation just a few weeks ago, when the lockdown was introduced in March and streets were deserted as pubs, bars and non-essential shops closed their doors.

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Sunderland City council leader Coun Graeme Miller urged people to comply with the current and stay at home.

Sunderland city centre pictured on May 5Sunderland city centre pictured on May 5
Sunderland city centre pictured on May 5

“The advice has not changed,” he said.

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“The best way of reducing the spread of the virus is for people to continue to stay at home, avoid unnecessary travel, observe social distancing and to wash their hands regularly.

“If we all stay and act safely we are protecting the NHS and saving lives.”

A message from the Editor:

People queue to use a cash machine in Sunderland city centre as lockdown measures continue after six weeksPeople queue to use a cash machine in Sunderland city centre as lockdown measures continue after six weeks
People queue to use a cash machine in Sunderland city centre as lockdown measures continue after six weeks

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City centre car parks were also busy as Sunderland enters the sixth week of lockdownCity centre car parks were also busy as Sunderland enters the sixth week of lockdown
City centre car parks were also busy as Sunderland enters the sixth week of lockdown

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