'Coronavirus doesn't take a break' - visitors asked to respect and protect Devon this half term

"Coronavirus doesn't take a break - please respect and protect local communities."

This is the joint message from council leaders across the region for anyone thinking of coming to or travelling in and around the South West this half term in a new social media campaign specifically targeting visitors.

"Now is the time to be extra careful," says leader of Devon County Council and chair of the Devon Local Outbreak Engagement Board, Councillor John Hart.

"People may well be considering taking a break this half term but unfortunately coronavirus won't be taking a holiday.

"Clearly, our top priority is to keep our residents safe.

"I urge everyone who is thinking of going away or even travelling within the area to think carefully about where they might be going and to continue to follow the rules.

"Equally, we are asking anyone thinking of coming into the region to consider the potential impact of their visit and to respect and help protect our local communities.

"The number of coronavirus cases here is rising but still much lower than most of the rest of the country and we want to keep it that way.

"So now is the time to be extra careful and extra vigilant.

"That is why we are calling on anyone currently in a high-risk area to follow national guidance, and to stay away for now.

"And if people do travel here from other areas then we urge them to be extra careful and follow all the extra rules that may relate to their own local area."

The message comes as all authorities across the region come together to launch a joint social media campaign via the South West Local Resilience Forum to target visitors, reminding them to keep following the basic rules – space, face and hands – and not to think they can relax just because they are away.

The campaign message is, if you're visiting Devon this half term, please remember the rules still apply whilst you're on holiday. coronavirus doesn't take a break so neither can we!

It's vital to continue:

Making space

Covering your face

Washing your hands

If you have symptoms, do not ignore them; self-isolate and arrange a test using your holiday address.

The targeted campaign, which includes a short video in which the increase in the number of South West coronavirus cases is shown, will be seen by people coming into the region from more than 125 miles away, plus anyone visiting any of the region's tourist hot spots, and will run for three weeks.