[We are publishing this appeal from Cumbria's Mountain Rescue teams in full and we urge you to read it before venturing out into the fells.]
Cumbria's Mountain Rescue teams are appealing to visitors to think carefully about their plans for outdoor activities due to the serious escalation of Covid-19 cases across the country and the impact it is having on NHS services that are now at breaking point. We would like to reiterate our previous lockdown stance in relation to the virus. This is a necessary reminder in order to protect our volunteer team members and their families as well as the casualties themselves.
If you do need help in the mountains call 999 ask for Cumbria Police, Mountain Rescue, however...
Given the current extreme cold wintry conditions on the hills and recent observations by team members of extremely ill-equipped parties, we would also like to remind people who are considering venturing into the hills at this time to ensure they are properly equipped (including ice axe and crampons), have sufficient winter mountaineering experience and are complying with the latest strict Government lock down rules on travel restrictions.
We are asking all hill-goers to be considerate of the resources of the Emergency Services at this time. We can all help by staying at home, only exercising locally to our villages, towns and cities, avoiding risky activities and high mountain terrain, sticking to lowland paths and walkways while strictly observing social distancing principles and the new Government lock down rules.
There is good and essential advice on the website Adventure Smart UK
So stay safe, stay at home: #BeAdventureSmart make your good day better.
Help Cumbria get ready to reopen safely - when the time is right.
https://www.adventuresmart.uk/
Photo by Wasdale MRT
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