Residents and would-be tourists are being urged to stay away from Somerset’s beauty spots and visitor attractions this Easter.

With fine weather forecast and the Easter holidays about to start, it’s essential that the public is not tempted to travel to take advantage of the beautiful Somerset outdoors.

Somerset’s local authorities oversee Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other public and open spaces. They’re are working together to manage the impacts of Coronavirus and encouraging everyone to follow Government advice.

Even open spaces can fill-up quickly making social distancing difficult, and the public is being urged to heed the ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ message.

It advises people to stay local and not to travel for their once-a-day exercise, and when you do you should go out, it should be alone or only with others in your household.

By doing that until the crisis is over, you’ll be limiting the spread of Coronavirus – savings lives and protecting the NHS.

John Turner, Chief Executive of Visit Somerset, said: “This is a difficult message for someone in my position to be giving, but these are difficult times.

“I know it’s disappointing and hugely tough on businesses, but there will be plenty of time to come and visit us and explore our great county. Now is not the time. We have to protect our NHS, our key workers and our county.

“People must listen to the advice from the Government and its medical experts and take every possible step to stop or slow the spread of this virus. Right now, that advice is not to travel and to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

The full Government advice can be found here www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs