Be a ‘Home Hero’ – stay at home and do your bit to fight pandemic
Dartmoor National Park is asking people to be ‘home heroes’ - to stay at home, help keep each other safe and limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chief Executive Dr Kevin Bishop today thanked people for their co-operation and consideration so far and, as we look towards the bank holiday weekend, urged everyone to continue to do their bit.
Continuing to stay at home and make use of spaces from your doorstep is the simplest and most effective action all of us can take in tackling coronavirus on Dartmoor and elsewhere.
Dartmoor National Park reiterated the UK Government’s instructions, urged people not to travel unless it is essential and to follow advice on accessing green spaces.
What you need to do:
- Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
- Only go outside alone or with members of your own household
- Keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
- Gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and police will enforce this
- If you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
- Take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
Dartmoor National Park Authority's Dr Bishop said: “At this time of year we would usually welcome people to Dartmoor but as we continue to all do our bit to limit the spread of coronavirus, we are strongly advocating that people stay at home and help protect our rural communities.
“We are pleased to say the vast majority of people have responded incredibly well and are grateful to everyone who has chosen to take daily exercise from home.
“At this time of national emergency you can do your bit by being a ‘home hero’ – resist the temptation to travel to Dartmoor or other beauty spots, exercise locally. Then, when this is all over, you will be able to say you did your bit to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and the nation.
“We know how important National Parks are for our overall health and wellbeing and appreciate everyone’s continued co-operation and consideration. So thank you for your support.
National Park offices, visitor centres, car parks and toilets remain closed until further notice.
Dr Bishop added: “We continue to work with police, local councils and other partners to look after our staff, volunteers and local communities.
“We understand that, as the bank holiday weekend arrives, staying at home may be tough, but it’s worth remembering this situation is temporary. Dartmoor has stood for thousands of years and will remain here for many more to come.
“We look forward to welcoming you back when this is over. Until then we hope you understand our National Parks are living, working landscapes: the home to thousands of people and the factory floor for many farmers. Please think of them and the pressure you can inadvertently place on local services.
“When the time comes, everyone will be given a warm, enthusiastic Dartmoor welcome and we look forward to seeing people reconnect with this special landscape.”
People are encouraged to celebrate Dartmoor by sharing photos and memories with each other through the National Park’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels.
