People urged not to visit Cornwall amidst coronavirus outbreak
People have been urged not to go on holiday to Cornwall amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
MP for St Austell and Newquay, Steve Double, has written an open letter urging people to cancel their holidays to Cornwall.
Cornwall Council has also released a statement asking people to stay away from the county, but requesting the government ensure both businesses reliant on the tourism industry and those cancelling holidays are protected.
It has asked visitors to re-arrange their trips to later in the year, saying that "welcoming visitors back to Cornwall will be key to our economic recovery".
The MP posted an open letter on his social media saying Covid-19 was "likely to be the greatest challenge any of us will have faced in our lifetime, and it is crucial we take it seriously."
He continued:
The Conservative MP said he understood the affects it will have on the tourism industry which Cornwall is so reliant on. But, added, the 'first and foremost' concern is the current health crisis.
Cornwall is home to around 555,000 people who live and work there all year round.
The county receives around 4 million visitors each year.
The council made three 'urgent requests' of the government.
To ensure that all workers affected by the lack of tourism are financially supported by the government.
That clarity is provided around whether businesses have full access to financial packages and support if they voluntarily close.
That 'non-essential' travel is defined clearly so that it doesn't just apply to public transport. They have asked that a 'holiday or short break should be deemed as non-essential travel'.
It says clarity around the definition would allow travel insurance to reimburse anyone who chooses to cancel their holiday rather than postpone it.
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