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Enjoy the outdoors – locally!

Published: 22/10/2020

More than ever, Flintshire’s local businesses need our support and have made some radical changes in order to comply with the regulations that have been put in place to keep us all safe. Shopping locally for essential items during the firebreak period will help and support our local shops providing essential supplies during the imminent firebreak.

With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder and wetter, it is tempting for us all to stay indoors and hide ourselves away.  In addition firebreak restrictions mean that many of us will be required to stay at home for just over a fortnight.  

With this is mind the benefits of getting outside, taking some exercise and breathing in the fresh air have never been more relevant.  If we are feeling a bit fed up, getting stressed with work, or just tired of staring at the same four walls, some time spent outside can help to blow away the cobwebs and lift the spirits.

For example walking has many benefits for our physical health, such as weight loss, boosting our immune system, increasing our energy levels and improving the quality of our sleep. But the benefits go far beyond this: by helping to relieve stress, boost creativity, improve our mood and enhance our emotional and mental wellbeing.

The Welsh Government recognises the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health. The firebreak restrictions will allow us the opportunity to take regular exercise, as long as this is done locally from and back to our own homes and either on our own or with members of our household only.  In addition, combining exercise with walking the dog or calling into the local shop to pick up those essential items is considered to be reasonable.  

Cllr. Derek Butler, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said:

“Essential retail outlets will still be allowed to open during the firebreak, serving and supporting their communities as they have been throughout the whole of this pandemic.  

“Many of our local businesses will also be providing online shopping and delivery services to ensure that Flintshire’s residents are provided with what they need at this time”