South Scotland MSP, Joan McAlpine has branded tourists from the cities as “stupid and selfish” following reports of campervan owners arriving in Dumfries and Galloway in an attempt to flee the coronavirus.
Her intervention comes as Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing urged people to stop using rural areas as a means of self-isolating,
Commenting, Ms McAlpine says,
I’ve been contacted by a number of constituents across Dumfries and Galloway who tell me that campervans are arriving in their villages as city dwellers attempt to “escape” the coronavirus. This is reckless and irresponsible behaviour which endangers lives.
“Dumfries and Galloway has an elderly population who are often remote from NHS facilities. The last thing they need is an influx of people who could be infected, clearing the shelves in their village shops and putting additional pressure on their health services.
“Visitors are most welcome in our region when the crisis is over but right now, please stay at home. I hope Government measures to restrict unnecessary travel will put a stop to this stupidity.”
