Coronavirus: Leave your car at home when you go out to exercise

We’re all being asked to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives, but what does this mean for exercise?

The latest guidance from government is that we should only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home).

People can also leave their homes once a day to exercise, but this should be from home and should not involve driving to popular spots across the borough.

The government guidelines say:

• Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
• You should 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
• Unless you are with members of your household, gatherings of more than two people in parks and other public spaces have been banned.
• 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

For the safety of our residents and staff, we have now closed all playgrounds and cemeteries in Blackburn with Darwen.

Our parks and open spaces remain open, but, where possible, the car parks have also now been shut with the gates closed.

This includes Witton Park (and the sports pitches), Pleasington playing fields (close to the cemetery gates) and Sunnyhurst Woods.

Lancashire Police have also been regularly patrolling the areas and have been putting up new posters to remind residents they must only being making essential journeys.

Those caught flouting the rules will be fined.

Councillor Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services said:

The advice is clear – we must all stay home, help protect the NHS and save lives.

We appreciate these are anxious times for our residents and exercise is important for our physical and mental health.

We want people to go out and get some fresh air, but please stay local and leave your cars at home.

There is no doubt that this is the worst public health crisis for our generation and we all have a really important part to play in protecting ourselves and our families.

I’d urge all residents to read the government guidelines and stick to them – we must get this right.

A number of public buildings, including leisure centres, libraries and theatres have also closed.

You can find a full list and all the latest updates and guidance at: Blackburn.gov.uk

You can read a list of FAQs about the guidelines around Coronavirus here.