'Sudden surge in tourism' at Welsh tourist destinations amid coronavirus outbreak

People are being urged to stay at home after tourist destinations across Wales have seen a rise in visitors amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Politicians and health bosses in west Wales reported a "sudden surge in tourism" and have asked holidaymakers not to visit Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire or Ceredigion.

Snowdonia National Park Authority said there have been "unprecedented scenes" after recording its busiest day ever on Saturday.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, adding that "if people don’t follow this advice we will have no choice but to use powers to enforce it".

The Prime Minister has warned the coronavirus outbreak is "accelerating" - and urged people not to visit their parents on Mother's Day.

Mountain rescuers warned visitors of Snowdonia National Park they cannot guarantee help amid the coronavirus crisis.

Hundreds of cars have been seen parked along the roads leading up to Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, with the car park also full.

Mountain rescuers warned they cannot guarantee help amid thecoronavirus crisis as it could put them in at risk.

Gwynedd Council has asked anyone who is on holiday in the county to return to their main home.

Gwynedd, home to Snowdonia, sees millions of visitors every year. Credit: PA Images

Visit Wales also posted on social media asking tourists to "Visit Wales later" and to avoid all unnecessary travel.

Council leaders, health bosses, AMs and MPs in west Wales have reported an "influx of tourists".

The council leaders said increased tourism puts increased pressure on the NHS. Credit: PA Images

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it would close all play areas across the borough until further notice to minimise social interaction.

"If necessary, we will close all public parks unless social distancing is taken seriously," council leader Cllr Andrew Morgan warned.

Neath Port Talbot Council has also said it will close its parks for four weeks.

The parks affected include Margam Country Park, Gnoll Country Park, as well as other parks and playgrounds across the county borough.

Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price has called on the Welsh Government to close caravan parks, second homes and tourist accommodation during the coronavirus crisis.

Credit: PA Images

What is the advice?

Everyone in Wales has been told to follow social distancing guidelines as governments try to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

But certain groups and those with underlying health conditions have been told to strictly adhere to those measures to ensure they are further protected.

And for those who experience symptoms of Covid-19, or live with those who do, they have been told to completely self-isolate.

Social distancing vs self-isolation: The official guidance on staying safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he and the First Minister "are actively considering our legal powers to directly intervene".

In a briefing on Saturday, Mr Gething said: "There's clear advice for people to avoid unnecessary travel and going to your caravan for the weekend doesn't strike me as necessary travel.

"We're asking people to be responsible. And I really hope we take that advice seriously because I certainly don't want our healthcare system in any part of Wales or indeed the UK to be overwhelmed by people moving around.

"We are of course taking it seriously and if we need to act, we are prepared to use the powers that we have."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We all need to follow this advice now to protect each other and our families and to help ensure our NHS is not overwhelmed.

"Social distancing includes avoiding all but essential travel and if people don’t follow this advice we will have no choice but to use powers to enforce it."

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