VISITORS ASKED TO THINK TWICE BEFORE COMING TO DORSET
Councillor Spencer Flower, leader of the council, issued a clear message earlier this week for any potential visitors or day trippers thinking of coming to Dorset as a result of the government easing of lockdown restrictions: “Thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice. We really look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful county in future, but it’s too early to take the risk right now.”
Dorset residents have co-operated well with the government’s lockdown over recent weeks. Even on sunny bank holidays, the vast majority of people have stuck to the rules and stayed at home. As a result, beaches and beauty spots have remained very quiet and the infection rate across Dorset is low compared to the rest of the country.
CAR PARKING CHARGES REINSTATED
Although car parks at visitor destinations, including beaches and country parks, across Dorset will stay closed for the time being, we have reintroduced parking charges in our car parks that have remained open through lockdown. This follows the easing of lockdown restrictions by central government.
To reduce physical contact with ticket machines, all open car-parks across the Dorset Council area will only accept cashless payment methods until further notice. This can be by either smartphone (by downloading the Just Park app); by mobile phone; or by text.
Cashless payments are being enforced to remove physical contact with keypads and coins in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, protecting our residents and employees. Re-introducing charges is essential to maximise the amount of people who can use our car-parks, as well as restore a vital revenue stream during this financially challenging time.
DO YOU NEED MEDICAL HELP? REMEMBER THE NHS IS STILL HERE FOR YOU
During the coronavirus pandemic, people have been asked to stay at home to help protect the NHS.
Whilst GPs in Dorset have changed the way they work – making the most of available technology including online consultations – you should still talk to your GP if you feel you have a medical need. The current Covid-19 pandemic shouldn’t stop you seeking medical advice if have symptoms that you are worried may be related to cancer, heart conditions or stroke or other conditions.
GPs will be carefully advising patients individually on any routine or urgent procedures and blood tests that should go ahead. They are doing all they can to ensure that if patients are brought to the surgery, it will be done in as safe a way as possible.
