This weekend many people ignored Government advice to avoid unnecessary travel and stay at home to visit Derbyshire Dales. Many key tourist spots saw visitors at almost bank holiday levels, which has forced Derbyshire County Council to take immediate action. Unfortunately, all country parks are now closed with immediate effect. The high number of visitors is sadly making social distancing impossible and putting people at risk.
Ms Dines said that ‘The coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation. The public has a crucial role to play in delaying the spread of the virus and protect all of our loved ones. The upset caused by these high visitor numbers to those of my vulnerable constituents who need shielding from the virus is intolerable. People need to think before they act and stay at home. We are in this together. All of us.’
On a Facebook post that has now been seen by over 150k people Ms Dines expressed her concern that the organisers of the Tansley boot-sale did not heed her request to cancel yesterday’s mass event.
Ms Dines said, ‘Allowing events like the Tansley boot-sale to continue is highly irresponsible and goes against government advice to stay at home, protect our NHS, save lives. It appears the organisers were giving out surgical gloves to entrants, but this would be wholly inadequate in protecting the public. I asked the Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police to close the event immediately as it was a direct risk to public health. Thankfully, all future events have now been postponed. Critically, made up measurers that appear to protect the public, but are blatantly ignoring Government advice, are putting people in danger. People need to stay 2 metres away from each other when outdoors and should stay at home as much as they can.
‘I have been contacted by so many constituents this weekend who have seen huge amounts of people come to their villages and green spaces across the constituency, directly going against Government advice to stay at home, protect our NHS, save lives. If people continue to ignore this guidance, more stringent rules will need to be investigated. As a result of actions this weekend the Prime Minister is actively looking at further measures. We need to socially distance in order to save lives. This means staying at home as much as is possible, working from home, and staying 2 metres away from others when outside. Please be responsible.’
She said: “Healthwise, it’s so important that people stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel. This advice is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.
“As the Prime Minister said, combating this virus will require a huge national effort. We must do all we can to save lives, protect our NHS and keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”
“I know these are difficult times and everyone is worried, but I would like to reassure people here in Derbyshire Dales that the Government is doing everything it can to keep everyone healthy and financially secure. The public need to do their part to beat this virus and send it packing as soon as we can!”
