Police patrols ready to combat Covid rule breakers over bank holiday weekend
Rule breakers have been warned they could face police action ahead of a busy bank holiday weekend across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
Health and crime bosses have spoken out to remind people to stick to the rules when out shopping or in beer gardens.
One of the Black Country's most senior police officers spoke out to urge people to avoid crowded areas.
Chief Superintendent Ian Green, from Sandwell Police, said: "We understand the desire for people to visit outdoor areas especially when the weather is nice.
"But the Covid legislation is very clear, and I appeal to people to limit their gatherings to the prescribed number and to avoid crowded areas.
"Where groups gather in higher numbers than permitted, officers will actively engage with them and where appropriate will take enforcement action."
With more retailers now open following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, people are also being reminded that face coverings are mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and indoor markets, premises providing personal care and beauty treatments such as hairdressers, and public transport, unless they are exempt for any reason.
Meanwhile the rule of six, or maximum of two households, applies for people meeting up in pubs and restaurants across the region.
Pub-goers have been reminded to stick to social distancing rules when meeting anyone from outside their household or support bubble.
John Denley, Wolverhampton Council's director of public health, said: "Businesses in Wolverhampton are working really hard to ensure shops, pubs and restaurants are safe and welcoming places for people to visit.
"The vast majority of customers are responding tremendously to the various measures which have been put in place, wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and following one-way systems where required.
"It’s incredibly important that everybody continues to play their part in stopping the spread of the virus so, if you are off to the shops, remember to take not only your bags and your money, but also a face covering too.
"Respect your fellow shoppers and shop staff by wearing your face covering and keeping a safe distance from one another.
“And if you are off to the pub, please remember that you must maintain social distancing from people who are not in your household or support bubble.
“Wherever you are heading, take a bottle of hand gel with you or use hand sanitisers or handwashing facilities where available, and try to pay using contactless where you can as this reduces the possibility of transmitting the virus by handling coins or notes.
“If you are going to meet with extended family or friends, the best protection you can give them is by getting a rapid Covid-19 test first so you can be reassured you don't pose a risk to others.
“And please remember that you must continue to follow these guidelines even if you have had one or both your Covid-19 jabs.”
Superintendent Mark Ward, head of Staffordshire Police’s neighbourhood policing teams, said: “All of the people of Staffordshire’s hard work and sacrifice is paying off.
“But to make sure we continue to move in this positive direction, it’s important we keep the coronavirus in our minds and stick to the rules.
“Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, I want to remind everyone that there are still limits on how many people can meet up in groups outside.
“As the weather has improved and restrictions have eased, we have seen reports of several large gatherings in outdoor spaces across the country, most commonly, in parks.
“Our officers will continue to carry out patrols across Staffordshire to engage with the public and explain the restrictions.
“However, anyone who is found to be in blatant breach of the rules, such as organising or attending unlicensed music events or large gatherings, which undermine all our efforts so far, we will take action and issues fines.
“I would also like to reassure residents that we will continue to do all we can to keep them safe from the threat of covid-19 and hope that the weekend is an enjoyable one for all across Staffordshire.”
