Police and Bristol City Council have provided new guidance urging people to take caution when using park benches in the city's parks, because of the risk of infection.
The statements have been provided by both the council and Avon and Somerset Police after concerns were raised over the use of benches at Troopers Hill open space and park in St George.
The Friends of Troopers Hill group reported feedback from a visiting police officer which appeared to show alarm over the number of people touching the benches in same places as part of their 'one hour exercises'.
In response, Bristol’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Asher Craig, said the council would be updating its published coronavirus lockdown guidelines accordingly.
And yesterday, Mayor Marvin Rees went on to ask people to avoid using parking benches.
What Bristol City Council says
Today, a spokesman for Bristol City Council said the authority was not, however, telling people not to use benches. But he said people should 'keep in mind that other people have used the bench before'.
He said: "We are not telling people that they cannot sit on a bench as we appreciate some people need to take a rest and catch their breath during their exercise.
"However, we are asking people to keep in mind that other people have used the bench beforehand, and, in line with Public Health England guidance, people should wash your hands often and always after arriving home.
"If you have hand sanitiser, please use that after sitting on public benches.”
What Avon and Somerset Police says
Avon and Somerset Police also provided its guidance.
The force has been patrolling parks across the city to ensure people are not stopping for picnics, sunbathing or gathering in groups.
As of yesterday, officers have handed out 63 penalty notices in relation to lockdown breaches in Bristol. It comes after the force received almost 4,000 tip-offs from the public.
On using benches, a spokesman said: "We are not telling people that they cannot sit on a bench. However, we are reminding people of the Government’s advice around essential travel and exercise.
"Officers are out on patrols across Avon and Somerset engaging with the public explaining the need for restrictions and what they entail and educating where necessary.
"These messages include the need for social distancing, following Public Health England’s guidance around washing your hands and not meeting with people from outside your household to reduce the spread of coronavirus."
