Dear Residents
We have been advised of the following:
· The Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Councillor Philip Atkins OBE and Chief Inspector Becky Hyde, area commander for the Cannock Neighbourhood Policing Team have issued a joint statement urging people to use common sense and exercise locally during the current lockdown.
· This is in response to a growing number of people ignoring government advice and guidance on social distancing and unnecessary travel which has resulted in increased numbers of people congregating in areas such as Cannock Chase and other country parks.
· Visitor centres, toilets, cafes, children’s play areas, barbecue facilities and car parks at Staffordshire’s country parks have been closed for several weeks.
· For taking exercise the current Government guidance is:
o People are allowed out once a day to exercise, for instance for a walk, cycle, or run;
o Go out alone or with members of your household;
o Keep at least two metres apart if you encounter other people.
· In addition, people may wish to wear gloves when using gates and stiles to reduce the chance of infection and always wash hands for 20 seconds after returning home.
· Government guidance remains that people should stay local to exercise and it is acceptable to stop briefly if someone has been exercising vigorously enough to need a rest, but it is not permissible to sunbathe or barbecue.
· In addition to the prohibition of barbecues, following recent fires people outdoors are reminded to take great care disposing of matches and cigarettes.