Sunderland city centre appears busy after six weeks of lockdown - this is how the city centre looked today compared to six weeks ago
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Today’s bright sunshine saw the heart of the city busier than it has been for weeks – despite the fact the country remains subject to the rules brought in more than a month ago to limit the spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted today that the Government may begin to ease the restrictions as early as Monday – but today’s scenes suggested many people are already beginning to assume the worst of the crisis is over.
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Hide AdShoppers chilled out on benches in the warm weather and city centre car parks were busy.
While many shops are closed, those classed as selling essential items – such as food – are still open.
Today’s scenes were in stark contrast to the situation just a few weeks ago, when the lockdown was introduced in March and streets were deserted as pubs, bars and non-essential shops closed their doors.
Sunderland City council leader Coun Graeme Miller urged people to comply with the current and stay at home.
“The advice has not changed,” he said.
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Hide Ad“The best way of reducing the spread of the virus is for people to continue to stay at home, avoid unnecessary travel, observe social distancing and to wash their hands regularly.
“If we all stay and act safely we are protecting the NHS and saving lives.”