Visitors to Cornwall are being urged to pack Covid tests along with their sun cream when they're preparing to come on holiday.

As restrictions are lifted, the Council has announced it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and respect local communities in holiday hotspots.

In an announcement, Cornwall Council said: "Cases are continuing to rise across the country – and we can all play our part this summer by doing the public health basics, like testing, hand washing and being outdoors, avoiding busy areas as much as possible – especially when we are out and about.

"The announcement comes amidst concern from Cornwall and other communities in the south west that, while the majority of visitors are respectful, a small minority see their holiday break as the perfect opportunity for a break from Covid.

"As tourist hotspots get more and more busy we’re asking everyone to try and keep a distance between people and wear a face covering if a business asks you to as they are protecting their staff as well as you."

Read Next:

Visit Cornwall is advising all staycationers to:

• Test yourself and your family before setting out and while you are in Cornwall

• Get your jab when offered and make it a priority before you set out on holiday; ideally 14 days before hand so you have the most protection

• Help local health services by bringing your medication with you and calling your own GP if needed whilst away

• Please call 111 instead of turning up at a hospital, unless it’s a life-threatening emergency.

Our hospitals are working at full capacity, and with a higher than usual number of people visiting because of travel restrictions, we need your help to protect them from being overwhelmed

• Be aware of the anxiety some may be feeling as they emerge from restrictions

• Respect those who choose to wear masks

Read Next:

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: "We’re glad that so many people want to come and spend time in our beautiful county, but we ask that you are respectful and help us to keep the virus under control.

"Please enjoy your holiday and make wonderful memories here because it’s a special place - but remember that our local communities will have to live with the consequences if case numbers increase.

"Businesses might still have reduced numbers inside a venue or ask you to wear a face covering in small, enclosed spaces.

"And we ask that you also wear a face covering using our public transport."

Malcolm Bell – Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall added: "We ask and hope that everyone on a day trip within Cornwall and the wider region, as well as our staying visitors we see this holiday season as a “Summer of Understanding”.

"We all need to understand that the virus will have a great summer of spreading infection if we allow it to, by not sticking to the guidelines.

"The virus will also cause strains on our public and health services, as well as problems when staff must self-isolate in hospitality, so please be on your guard and be patient and understanding when disruptions happen – no one is responsible it is just life in the ongoing pandemic crisis.

"Please enjoy a great break or holiday, be on your guard and be patient and understanding."