‘Significant concern’ raised over potential coronovirus spread as tourists descend on North Wales beach resorts

‘Significant concern’ has been raised over the potential for the coronavirus to spread through North Wales as tourists descend on the region in their droves.

Plaid Cymru politicians in Gwynedd have written to the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to highlight the “unprecedented” number of visitors who came to beach resorts in the area last weekend.

They said it had led to authorities facing difficulties maintaining order with people parking illegally becoming a problem in Barmouth.

They have asked the Welsh Government to step in and impose measures to control the numbers travelling to the region amid fears they could increase the spread of Covid-19.

The letter signed jointly by the area’s Plaid Cymru MPs, MSs and the leader and deputy leader of Gwynedd Council states: “We write to you as a matter of urgency to draw your attention to a situation of significant concern to us with regard to public health and the spread of the coronavirus.

“Last weekend unprecedented numbers came to visit our seaside towns and beaches.

“We understand and sympathize with the visitors here who have lifted the restrictions of a desire to visit our countryside and the freedom to enjoy the outdoors.

“Unfortunately, the numbers flocking here are more than can be dealt with, which leads to a situation beyond the ability of the authorities to maintain order.

“Using Barmouth as an example, on Friday afternoon there was no parking available and hundreds of cars continuing to flow into the town.

“As a result, there was illegal parking across the town and cars could not move one way or the other.

“There were many similar examples across the county such as Aberdyfi, Morfa Bychan, Abersoch and so on.”

The politicians said they were most worried about the lack of social distancing on display in town centres due to the large crowds.

They also highlighted the lack of toilets to meet the visitor numbers.

In the face of the incidents, local county councillor Gethin Williams claimed that Barmouth was the site of an “uncontrolled mass event”.

The group continued: “Events such as festivals, the Royal Welsh Show and the Eisteddfod, are prohibited, so how can we in this case allow multiple crowds to assemble without restriction at all? We consider this a very valid and serious question.

“Allowing large numbers to congregate without respect for social distancing can lead to the spread of the coronavirus.

“We therefore ask you to acknowledge that this is an issue that needs to be addressed as it can happen over several weekends during August.”

When questioned over the surge in visitors to North Wales this weekend, the Welsh Government said it was important that visitors were welcomed back to help the economy.

At the same time, Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, cautioned action would be taken to protect local communities if the virus was to flare up again.

She said: “One of the things that we were very careful about when it came to reopening is to make sure that we did develop the support of the local communities which have to a large extent are dependent on the tourism sector for their livelihoods.

“It is important that we continue to welcome our visitors to Wales and have to ensure that we continue that Welsh warm welcome that people have become used to.

“Of course, if we do see any incidents, we will expect those visitors to report that they are feeling unwell, that they report and participate in the task test track and trace process.

“When we see those incidents arising, we will lock down very hard on those instances and try and put a ring of steel around those areas so that we don’t see the spread of the virus in those communities.”