Cornwall Council is saying a big thank you to residents and businesses who followed the COVID-19 social distancing and closure orders over the Easter weekend.

Even with the sunny weather, beaches and other public places remained quiet and the vast majority businesses stayed shut as part of the pandemic response.

The Council has urged people to report any holiday accommodation still open to visitors and is reiterating its message to businesses to follow the closure rules.

Despite most businesses complying, the authority has received an additional 300 complaints of holiday lettings and other accommodation providers open in the last four days.

On investigation many of these businesses were confirmed as operating legitimately by accommodating NHS, or other key workers, or had already closed down.

Of those that were found to be operating against the new orders, the majority agreed to close. Enforcement action will be reserved for those that refuse to abide by the new orders.

Councillor Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: “We are grateful to everyone who has followed the social distancing rules and stayed away from Cornwall’s beaches, parks and beauty spots over the sunny bank holiday weekend.

“We also want thank all the businesses that have complied with the closure orders to deter visitors from coming down and the residents who have got in touch with us so we can investigate cases where the orders are still not being followed.

“Now is the time for us all to tackle this pandemic together and save lives and protect the NHS. We will welcome back visitors to Cornwall with open arms when this crisis over, but for now, please stay at home.”

To report a business suspected to be operating illegally, the Council now has a new ‘Report It’ form on the Council’s website. Alternatively, email covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.

If anyone is concerned about compliance with emergency control measures to do with social gatherings please contact the police by calling 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk and 999 in an emergency.

The Council discourages anyone from approaching another person to confront them about social gatherings, or businesses regarding them being open