While progress is being made, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant risk to health and the national message remains – stay at home as much as possible.
In starting to gradually ease the lockdown restrictions by moving into phase 1 of its ‘routemap’, the Scottish Government advised that from 29 May people could travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but should remain in their local area - suggested to be within five miles from home.
This is to reduce the risk that places such as beaches or popular beauty spots become crowded, making physical distancing harder to maintain.
The First Minister also commented: “… if your car parks have been closed and your public toilets have been closed, keep them closed for now is my advice.” She also said “we do not want people flocking to beauty spots…”
People are encouraged to walk, wheel or cycle where possible - as our parks and open spaces remain open locally to exercise and recreation subject to the social distancing requirements.
In light of this, our coastal and countryside car parks remain closed at this time. This position is supported by Police Scotland.
Public toilets and children’s play areas also remain closed given the risk of cross-infection from contact surfaces.
We look forward to welcoming visitors from further afield to East Lothian when it is safe to do so but at the moment we would ask that people do not travel to beauty spots from outwith their local area.
We’re grateful to East Lothian residents for following the really important government and national health advice. Continuing to do so will be key in enabling the Government to take further steps to ease the restrictions in future.