VISITORS are being asked not to keep away from the Tees Valley during the crisis.
The Tees Valley Tourism Bureau is stressing that many of the visitor attractions, parks and green areas in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland are open.
Businesses are desperate for visitors to keep them going.
Sue Crawley, of the bureau, said: "The general public do not seem to realise that most of the Tees Valley's attractions are still open for business and are preparing special events for Easter, a traditionally busy time in our area.
"The Government has issued a press release urging everyone to 'do their bit' and support local businesses by visiting them, and not staying away."
Among events on offer are an Easter egg hunt at Hartlepool's Historic Quay, children's parties at Nature's World, in Middlesbrough, and a series of events at the Watersports Centre, at Stockton's Castlegate Quay.
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