IN the Tees Valley, Redcar, Saltburn, Marske, Hartlepool and Seaton Carew should be profiting marginally from the fact that, nationwide, seaside towns have lower rates of Covid-19, and fewer coronavirus deaths, than their inland equivalents.
It’s undoubtedly true that visitors to the coast increase infection rates. But this negative effect is more than cancelled by seaside towns benefitting from their proximity to endless open water, covered by masses of fresh air ventilating them constantly with anything from fresh sea breezes to violent storms.
Experts agree that just being in the open air significantly reduces the risk of Covid. Proximity to the sea undoubtedly adds to this beneficial effect.
Steve Kay, Cabinet Member: Health, Housing and Welfare, Redcar & Cleveland Council.
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