A TOWN council is urging residents and visitors to stick to social distancing rules as people head to the coast, as "nice weather doesn’t mean Covid has gone".

On Friday, the government announced it was ‘putting the brakes’ on the easing of lockdown restrictions for the next two weeks.

Now Redcar & Cleveland Council is urging people to avoid crowding at the beach as the sunny weather sets in, but instead to follow clear social distancing rules.

Councillor Steve Kay, cabinet member for health and welfare, said: “Nice weather doesn’t mean Covid has gone.

"We understand people wanting to enjoy the weather at the coast but we ask everyone to stick to the rules.

"Keep your distance from other people, wear masks where required indoors including in museums and wash your hands regularly.

"We just can’t risk a new spike in cases and measures will be enforced where necessary.

The vast majority of people have used common sense and stuck to the rules, of course, and I want to thank everyone for coming together and doing their bit.

"Together we can continue to control the spread of this horrible disease.”

Residents and visitors in the borough are also being asked to wear face covering in public indoor spaces and are already required to wear masks in museums.

The Northern Echo: