Alliance’s Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has called for caravan site operators and holiday let owners to close over Easter to try and help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Ms Armstrong said some people who own caravans have moved to them in an attempt to avoid COVID-19 in towns and cities. However, she said that was in breach of the current Government guidance to stay at home, as well as new PSNI powers to fine businesses contravening them.

“I have asked both the PSNI and local Councils, who licence caravan parks, to ensure these holiday businesses do not travel at this time. We need people to stay at home, not travel and do all they can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus,” she said.

“Site owners who allow people to stay on caravan sites are contravening the new Health Protection Regulations, which state a person responsible for carrying on a business consisting of the provision of holiday accommodation must cease to carry on that business during the emergency period.

“Caravan site operators and holiday let owners ceasing trading over Easter as to not encourage people to visit their sites will help in the fight against the spread of coronavirus and ultimately, save lives.”