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How Prestonians are responding to coronavirus lockdown rules

Posted on - 26th March, 2020 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Deepdale, Health, Preston City Centre, Preston Docks, Preston News
Deepdale Retail Park during lockdown Pic: Adam Kean
Deepdale Retail Park was deserted on Tuesday Pic: Adam Kean

Many parts of Preston have become deserted since Monday, when Boris Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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The following day (Tuesday 24 March), Deepdale Retail Park was described by one visitor as looking like it was part of “the apocalypse”.

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Adam Kean said: “I was getting a few essentials from Aldi and just looking to see what was open. It was like the apocalypse. The only places open were Marks and Spencer for the supermarket, Boots and Poundland.”

Read more: Independent Preston retailers adapting to coronavirus closures 

Similarly Preston city centre was much quieter than normal on Tuesday.

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Local dog photographer Cat Race was in the city to use the bank.

She said: “It was so empty! There was a weird air about the place.

Fishergate on lockdown Pic: Cat Race
Fishergate was described as having a “weird air” Pic: Cat Race

“People were respecting the social distancing and staying away from each other, and a few people were queueing outside banks with distance between them.

“The bank I went into had a sign outside asking people not to go in, and somebody came to the door to serve me instead. Very strange times indeed.”

Read more: Bus station to close in fight against Coronavirus

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Other parts of Preston appear to have seen an increase in footfall, perhaps due to the Government’s directive that people may go out once a day for exercise in the form of a walk, a run or a bike ride.

One such area appears to be Preston Dock.

A nearby resident got in touch with us after becoming concerned at the number of people not maintaining the required two-metre distance from others.

On Wednesday the resident, who wished to remain anonymous, went out to exercise for the first time in three days. They said they saw many people who appeared to be sitting and standing around, not actually exercising.

Pedestrians by Preston Dock during lockdown
Pedestrians by Preston Dock during lockdown

He said: “Many are treating the Dock as if on holiday. It’s obvious some people need to learn what the words essential, exercise and vulnerable mean.

“Most people respected the two metre distance, but others, particularly young men seemed clueless.”

Read more: The Ferret launches funding campaign to escape permanent closure

Have you noticed any areas being more or less busy since the lockdown was announced? Let us know in the comments.

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