Cornwall coronavirus cases triple in a week as tourists flock to the busy beaches
CORNWALL coronavirus cases are on the rise as more tourists flock to the coastline - with the South West having the worst R rate in the country.
Temperatures have soared to 34C in parts of the country, and families are heading south for their staycation holiday.
UK holiday bookings are booming following the last-minute travel ban in Spain, with fears of other European countries facing similar restrictions.
Yet in Cornwall, the rolling seven-day rate of new cases per 100,000 people has risen from 0.9 to 3.3, with 19 new cases confirmed, .
Infection rates in the South West are now the highest in the country.
The R rate, which indicates how fast coronavirus is likely to spread, is now above 1 in the South West, estimated to be around 1.04.
Below R1 is the important bit because it means the virus will likely peter out.
Locals have been left fuming by tourists in popular towns such as St Ives and Penzance, with few people wearing face masks or staying 1m away from each other.
"They think there’s no coronavirus in Cornwall. Locals are split between those who are delighted that the economy is booming and others who are putting up signs that say: ‘F*** off, tourists."
Cornwall, one of the most popular holiday locations for families this summer, is facing a shortage in campsites and cottages as Brits try to book a last-minute trip in the UK.
"I would say in terms of the bookings on our site, we’ve never been as busy as we’ve been this year, for the main summer season, and I’ve been involved for 15 years."
Ed Bassett, country manager at caravan and motorhome rental Camptoo, said they have seen a 685 per cent increase in Welsh holiday bookings this summer too.
It isn't just camping holidays in demand, with cottages, hotels and B&Bs seeing a lack of availability.
Rachel Douglas, from London, who was looking for a hotel stay in Cornwall and Devon, she couldn't believe "how little was still free".
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While there is limited availability, the soaring demand has also led to soaring prices - with many costing more than a trip abroad would be.
Rachel added: "The cost is about 2,000-£3,000 [...] I can literally fly round the world for this kind of money."