Police and health bosses praise Wolverhampton residents staying at home
People across Wolverhampton have been praised by health and police chiefs for continuing to stay home amid coronavirus.
Council bosses in the city have said the "vast majority" of residents are following Government guidelines but others are still flouting them.
Now they have called on people to remain at home unless it is "absolutely essential", with enforcement action taken as a "last resort".
John Denley, director of public health at Wolverhampton Council, said: "Preventing the spread of coronavirus is a national effort which we are all responsible for, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who is adhering to the social distancing measures, remaining at home unless absolutely essential and keeping at least two metres away from others when they are out and about.
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"However, we’ve seen a steady increase in traffic on local roads over the last fortnight, along with reports of people congregating in open spaces including shopping precincts, and I would like to remind residents not to take any unnecessary trips out of the home at this time.
"Coronavirus will not change its rules – and number of infections, and sadly deaths, could easily spike if we lift the lockdown too soon."
People must stay at home as much as much as possible unless they are shopping for necessities, taking their daily exercise, helping a vulnerable person or travelling to and from work, if you're a key worker.
Chief Superintendent Andy Beard from Wolverhampton Police said: "I would like to thank the vast majority of people in Wolverhampton who continue to act responsibly in line with government restrictions.
"Our officers are patrolling across our city engaging with people, explaining the restrictions and encouraging people to comply, with enforcement being a last resort."
Wolverhampton's parks remain open for exercise, with cemeteries reopened to the public on Sunday.
Strict social distancing measures are in place at both locations, chiefs have said.
