Police chief constable: Think carefully about going outside despite new lockdown rules
A police chief has said people in Staffordshire are feeling "uncertain and confused" about the new lockdown rules imposed by the Government – and has urged people to stay at home as much as they can to further prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police Gareth Morgan said the "threat of infection" still has not gone away – and has urged people to take personal responsibility if they are spending more time outdoors.
People are now allowed unlimited outdoor exercise time, as of this week, under new rules announced by the Prime Minister.
But Mr Morgan has said locals should "think carefully" about where they are going and how they will be able to keep their distance from others.
He said: "The efforts of the public over the past seven weeks have meant police officers have rarely had to enforce the Government regulations here in Staffordshire – thank you. I am confident the vast majority will continue to do their bit.
"The threat of infection has not gone away. These changes are incremental and the overriding public health message remains that people should stay home as much as possible to help keep the infection rate down.
"But as many of us are now able to spend more time outdoors, each of us need to take personal responsibility for doing that within the restrictions set out by the Government."
He added: "It is vitally important that we remember that, as police officers, we enforce the law not guidance. For example, social distancing is guidance and it is not enforceable in these regulations.
Sacrifices
"Personal responsibility is now key - for those who are able to leave their homes as a result of the changes, think carefully about where you are going and how you will be able to keep your distance from others. Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.
"Overall, the public’s response during these unprecedented times, and how they have coped with the restrictions placed on them as part of the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives, has been extraordinary.
"The vast majority have followed the Government’s guidance, making personal sacrifices to do so. There are clearly still restrictions in place which will continue to place limits on people and I anticipate that occasionally we will need to use our enforcement powers for the small minority who break the law.
"I expect some people are going to be uncertain and confused and will need to be helped to work their way through the coming days and many will be looking for clarity.
"Officers and staff will continue to use the approach that has served us and the public so well to date. As the restrictions on people are significantly lessened, I expect us to be less involved in ‘policing’ this public health crisis, but when we do I expect us to continue to engage and explain the new guidance with patience and courtesy and only use enforcement if necessary."
