Local police chiefs have clarified the Humberside Police force’s intention to police the lockdown. We summarise their statements below. Click the links for the full version of the statements.
Assistant Chief Constable Humberside Police
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said last week (Wed 3 March 2021): “UK Government guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the Covid regulations, which we enforce, and which enable us to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches, don’t restrict the distance travelled for exercise.
“We will remain unapologetically inquisitive about why people are out of their homes and will explain the regulations and encourage people to comply. Where people are breaching the regulations and are away from home without a reasonable excuse, they may be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
The Assistant Chief Constable continued: “The restrictions are clear in that you should stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse not to. This may be to buy food, to travel to work, for childcare arrangements or for exercise.
“Going to the beach, parks or countryside, irrespective of where you travel from is not permitted unless you have a reasonable excuse.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Keith Hunter, also issued a strong message in response to televised scenes of large crowds at the coast (Thurs 4 March 2021): “What we saw at the weekend, not only at Cleethorpes but other seaside towns in our area, and right across the country, was a flagrant breach of the law and the spirit of willing compliance with guidance intended to keep us all safe. Such large-scale public disregard makes the policing of such matters hugely difficult.
“If you travel for exercise, you should have a clear reason for not taking that exercise closer to home. Wanting a day out at the seaside with your family is not exercise – it is a family day out and not currently permitted just because you happen to exit your car and walk a short distance.
“Do not look for ways to get around the rules and guidance – stick to them, and the spirit of them, and we will emerge from the restrictions the safer and quicker for it.”
The rules regarding the National Lockdown changed slightly from today (Monday 8 March 2021). England is still in a national lockdown. You must stay at home, leaving only where permitted by law, and follow the rules.
Schools go back today (and some election campaigning is allowed), but also:
“You can spend time in outdoor public spaces for recreation on your own, with your household or support bubble, or with one other person. This means you can sit down for a drink or picnic. You must continue to maintain social distance from those outside your household. This is in addition to outdoor exercise, which is already permitted.”
National Lockdown: Stay at Home.
The Government has issued an easy-reading guide to the lockdown explaining what you can and cannot do. Click the image to go to the GOV.UK link and read online, or download the document.:
