Hundreds of local tourists are affected as Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel tours are cancelled commencing the week on the 16th March 2020 due to coronavirus outbreak.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease at the end of 2019, more than 184,000 people have contracted the disease, resulting in more than 7,500 deaths according to the World Health Organization. There is currently a total infection of 1950, with a death toll total of 71, both figures have doubled since last week. The department of Health and Social Care urge people who are aged 70 and above to stay at home to protect themselves from coronavirus.
In response to the government’s health guidance, Ouseburn Trust has cancelled all of their Victoria Tunnel tours as the tour take place in a tunnel with poor ventilation. Furthermore, 90% of the Victoria Tunnel tour guide are volunteers ages 70 and above, who are classified as vulnerable by the government.
Volunteer at the Victoria Tunnel says, “This is the best option for now to protect both volunteers and people who come and visit the tunnel”.
The charity is now contacting all booked tour to suspend the tour, this include but not limiting to 3 UK schools, 1 Dutch school and many more individual bookings. The charity is open to inform, refund and rearrange all previously booked tours.
The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th century wagonway under the city of Newcastle from the Town Moor to the Tyne, built to transport from Spital Tongues Colliery to the river and operated between 1842 and the 1860s. The tunnel was converted in 1939 into an air raid shelter to protect thousands of Newcastle citizens during World War 2.
If you have any questions regarding the tour, please do not hesitate to contact The Ouseburn Trust on 0191 261 6596 for further information.
The Hidden Treasure of North-east 