On this day in 2020, South Lakes MP Tim Farron made an emotional plea to tourists not to visit the Lake District in an effort to protect the community from the spread of Covid-19.
The appeal was made ahead of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement of a full UK-wide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.
Reports from the police suggested numerous large gatherings had occurred in popular tourist hotspots over the weekend.
The week prior, Mr Farron had entered self-isolation after a family member displayed symptoms of the virus.
In light of the reports, he expressed his concerns, stating: "I’m the greatest advocate of people coming to visit our stunning part of the world.
"So it shows the seriousness of the situation that I feel the urge to say to visitors, who contribute so much to our local economy, to stay at home."
"Some of the images that have been shared on social media this weekend of large gatherings in places like Bowness bay and Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale are hugely alarming.
"To anyone thinking about going for a holiday in Cumbria during this outbreak I would say this: the Lake District will still be here after Coronavirus has gone, but if you choose to ignore the advice then sadly your loved ones might not be.
"Don’t put lives at risk – please stay at home."
This story was first reported on by Tommy Greene on March 23, 2020.
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