PLEAS have been made to tourists, holiday home and second home owners not to travel to Wales during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Huge numbers of people have flocked to the country this weekend, including areas of Powys, despite concerns about the spread of the deadly virus and the impact it could have on local people and health services.

A spokesman for Visit Wales, the Welsh Government's tourism body, said: "Please do not visit Wales at this time and avoid all unnecessary travel within Wales. Following these guidelines will save lives.

"We look forward to welcoming you back in future; but for now, let’s all stay safe.

"We would urge anyone that has any concerns over their own health to use the NHS Coronavirus Symptom Checker.

"If you have any questions relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Public Health Wales website.

"Further information from Welsh Government and UK Government is updated on a regular basis.

"For business operators based in Wales please visit the Business Wales for updates relating to support available."

In light of the vast numbers that have travelled to tourist areas in recent days to holiday homes and caravan parks, Plaid Cymru's Glantwymyn County Cllr Elwyn Vaughan has joined calls for common sense to prevail and for such facilities to close with immediate effect.

Cllr Vaughan said; "The volume of visitors escaping from urban settings to our communities is staggering and despite all calls for isolation they seem to have ignored common sense. We have had calls from Doctors to limit this surge as it's creating a untenable situation for our NHS in Mid and North Wales, we do not have the facilities to cope with such a growth in population and demand at short notice.

"Furthermore, one of the fundamental lessons from Italy is the need to stay at home rather than travel and potentially spread the virus. The danger is in dispersing from hot spots thus creating a even greater problem.

"We want the Welsh Government to make a clear message that such sites have to close and thus lighten some of the pressure on our Doctors and local hospitals who will be challenged enough in the coming weeks."