Patrols ramped up to enforce lockdown restrictions
Police to increase presence on streets
Police have stepped up patrols to ensure the coronavirus lockdown is being respected.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain said his officers would “encourage people to do the right thing”.
He insisted they will “act decisively to enforce the law” when finding any “wilful breaches”.
Chief Supt Hussain said: “We fully recognise the impact these further restrictions have on people’s lives.
“However, it is clear that significant sacrifices are vital to help suppress the spread of coronavirus.
“The Chief Constable has made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed.
“Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.
“People should not leave their homes unless for essential purposes and the best way to stay safe is to stay at home.
“We have increased patrols in our communities to explain the regulations and to encourage people to do the right thing.
“Where officers encounter wilful breaches they will act decisively to enforce the law.”
And health chiefs have urged the public to follow the stay-at-home order.
Lynne McNiven, director of public health at Ayrshire & Arran, said: “We are at a crucial time locally for controlling the spread of Covid-19.
“This phase of the pandemic is having the greatest impact on our communities in terms of positive
cases, numbers admitted to hospital and sadly deaths.
“This is placing great strain on every aspect of the healthcare system.
“The guidance currently says to stay at home.
“You should now only leave the house for essential reasons like: getting food or medicines, any medical need, exercise, to support a vulnerable person, or for work where you can’t work from home.”
She added that separate households should not be meeting indoors and that only a maximum of two people, aged 12 and over, can meet outdoors, if they are not from the same household.
Ms McNiven said: “Social distancing rules apply in all vehicles as well as in buildings.
“If any one of us breaches the current guidance, there is a significant risk that we could make our family, friends and other close contacts unwell.
“We also risk setting back the date for the reopening schools, workplaces and local businesses.”
We have increased patrols in our communities to explain the regulations and to encourage people to do the right thing Faroque Hussain