A WARNING against complacency over Covid-19 has been issued by Warwickshire Police amid rising infection rates.
Two policing leaders in the county are encouraging residents to continue to take the threat of Coronavirus seriously, and help reduce its spread.
Assistant Ch Cons Alex Franklin-Smith said: “We know the new regulations impact on everyone but the rules are clear and we all have a personal responsibility for following them to help stop the spread of this deadly virus.”
Under the new rules, people may not participate in social gatherings in groups of more than six. The rule applies to gatherings indoors and outdoors, in private homes, public outdoor spaces and venues such as pubs and restaurants.
ACC Franklin-Smith added: “We expect people will take these new regulations seriously to protect themselves and their friends and family.
“Our approach to the new regulations will be to continue engaging, explaining and encouraging people to follow the new rules. However, we will disperse groups of over six and issue fines to those who refuse to comply.
“In most situations, police officers can resolve breaches without having to issue a fine. Where people just won’t listen, and are putting everyone at risk, we will take enforcement action.
“We will ensure we pay particular attention to those who regularly flout the rules and those areas where we are seeing the greatest numbers of Covid-19 cases in the county.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said it was vital for residents to play their part in keeping Covid-19 transmission rates down to protect the vulnerable.
He said: “We mustn’t put ourselves in a position where all of the progress achieved over the past few months is undone by people having a growing sense of complacency or a misplaced notion that Covid-19 doesn’t affect them.
“With transmission rates on the rise again, the reality is that continued vigilance is needed from everyone if we are to control the virus.
“The police, public health agencies and local authorities need the co-operation of everyone in the county.
“For those that flout the rules and put people at risk, there should be no misunderstanding that enforcement action can and will be taken to protect the county as a whole.”
Warwickshire Police reiterated the ‘hands, face, space’ mantra to remind residents to wash their hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and on public transport, and keep two metres apart from anyone they don’t live with.
Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk to report breaches of the Health Protection Regulations.
