Coronavirus fears force Eastbourne beach clean to be postponed

The events, due to take place on Saturday and Sunday (March 21-22), have been cancelled due to concerns about group gatherings as the COVID-19 continues to spread.

Olive Sterno, of Plastic Free Eastbourne, said in a statement, “With regret, it has been decided to postpone our beach cleans this weekend.

“This is entirely due to the rapidly deteriorating status caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Mr Sterno said he had taken advice from the council’s Neighbourhood First team.

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He said, “The risk assessments now prepared suggest the potential harm to everyone is too high to proceed. All in all, this was quite a simple decision to reach.”

Surfers Against Sewage, the charity leading the beach clean campaign, said it was ‘the most sensible decision’, according to Mr Sterno.

He said, “Clearly, this will disappoint many and our beaches will be left uncleared. Of course individuals and small groups could beach clean, as many already do.”

Plastic Free Eastbourne will also be postponing group presentations, school assemblies, publicity stall interaction, and monthly meetings.

It is thought the postponed beach cleans will be held in the autumn.

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an illness which affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms are a high temperature and continuous cough.

• NHS advice is to regularly wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

• Stay at home for seven days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

• Call 111 if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your symptoms get worse.