Tourists and visitors urged to stay away from Anglesey

Tourism is a mainstay of Anglesey’s economy bringing in £310m annually and employing around 4,000 people.

But today, Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, urged tourists and visitors to stay away from the Island until the Coronavirus crisis is over.

UK and Welsh Government, and Public Health Wales, guidance in respect of social isolation and minimising all but non-essential travel must be followed by everyone.

Cllr Llinos Medi said, “This is a message I never thought I would have to give, but in these unprecedented times, I have no other option but to urge visitors and tourists, including those who own second homes, to stay away from the Island with immediate effect. We must all play our part, and void all but essential travel, to tackle this national emergency.”

She also appealed to the tourism industry to help reduce social contact and called on caravan parks and B&Bs to close to limit the spread of the disease and reduce pressure on local services and NHS.

Cllr Medi added, “We have seen a recent influx of visitors coming to stay in caravans or second homes on Anglesey. They will undoubtedly put an immense extra strain on essential public services, including the NHS, which are already under tremendous pressure. They must consider the implications of their actions on the people of Anglesey.”

With growing restrictions linked to the Coronavirus outbreak having a huge impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, Cllr Medi also urged both UK and Welsh Governments to provide as much support as possible to the sector and all other businesses to get them through the coming weeks and months.

Anglesey’s Major Projects and Economic Development portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones added, “We are aware of the huge impact the spread of Coronavirus is having across the country as well as the Island’s tourism and hospitality sector.”

“I would like to reassure our communities that we are doing everything possible to contain the spread of Coronavirus here on Anglesey. Once this is over, we look forward to welcoming visitors back, as tourism is such a key part of our economy.”

A similar plea has also been made by Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts which can be viewed below.

📹 WATCH:

I appeal to those thinking of coming to rural north #Wales to self-isolate to please think again. Our hard-pressed #NHS services will find it difficult as it is. Please self-isolate at home where you will be closer to your family and support networks. Thank you. 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/2ZPQVn6YkI

— Liz Saville Roberts (@LSRPlaid) March 21, 2020