How will the police enforce the new Covid ‘Rule of Six’ restrictions?
New regulations limit social gatherings to six people in a bid to reduce cases and make rules easier for police to enforce
The number of people now allowed to meet socially in England has been reduced from 30 to six.
The new measure has been introduced as coronavirus cases across the UK continue to rise, with days of 2,000plus positive cases of Covid-19 recorded recently.
Police have been issued with greater powers to break up groups and issue fines to people failing to comply, with fines starting at £100 and doubling on further offences up to a maximum of £3,200.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said officers would be out in the community to engage with the public, explain the new regulations and encourage people to follow them.
Groups of more than six people will be dispersed when necessary, the spokesman said, and fines would be issued to those who did not comply.
Enforcement will only be used proportionately as a last resort when engagement had not been successful, the spokesman added.
Sussex Police Superintendent Julia Pope said everyone had a part to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
“We will be doing all we can and we encourage others to do the same by following the new rules set out by the government,” she said.
“Our officers will continue to engage with their communities and in most situations, this engagement can resolve breaches without us having to issue a fine.
“We will issue fines when people refuse to comply.
“The demands on the police service are now back to pre-covid levels.
“Our priorities lie with public safety and so it is even more important that people take personal responsibility for their actions and do their bit to prevent the spread of the virus, so the force can operate effectively for those who need us.
“If people are aware of a serious and current breach of the government’s coronavirus regulations, we would ask them to report it to us online.
“We will continue to work closely with the government, businesses, local authorities and partner agencies to make Sussex a safe place for people to live, work and visit.
“We ask the public to work with us and act responsibly to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
The new rules mean just six people will be allowed to meet, but they can all be from different households.
This applies to indoor and outdoor settings, including public settings such as pubs, cafés and parks, as well as private homes.
Previously, up to 30 people from two households, or six from several households were allowed to gather outdoors. Indoor gatherings had been limited to two households and six people.
Households larger than six are able to gather in one larger group – this also applies to support bubbles.
While official guidance on how the new restrictions will be policed are drawn up, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said responsibility for monitoring public venues like pubs would fall primarily with local authorities, as they deal with licensing.
Police officers do not have power of entry under coronavirus rules, the NPCC said, which could limit the police’s powers when dispersing private events such as house parties.
There are circumstances where other powers of entry may apply, however.
The chairman of the NPCC, Martin Hewitt, said: “As we start to see a rise in infections it is vitally important that we all follow the regulations and restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“Everyone has a role to play limiting the outbreak by following the regulations, including those about gatherings which are now limited to six people both indoors and outside.
“Officers will continue to be out in communities – engaging, explaining and encouraging people to act responsibly. We will take enforcement action where necessary.”
The NPCC has called on other public bodies and agencies to ‘play their part’ in encouraging the public to follow the rules, making police enforcement a last resort.
The new guidelines were drawn up after police chiefs met the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to emphasise the importance of clear regulations and communication to ensure the public understand the rules.
Mr Johnson also announced ‘coronavirus marshals’ would offer advice in the community.
Some events, such as weddings and funerals, will remain unaffected by the new regulations, as will team sports and gatherings for work and education.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to put a timescale on the new measures, saying they would be in place ‘for the foreseeable future’.
And he indicated that rules could be in place in the buildup to Christmas.
Mr Hancock said: “I really hope we can turn this round before Christmas.
“I think that, in a pandemic, Christmas is a long way off.
“Three months is a long time in a pandemic and I very much hope this strong rule, together with the local action we’ve taken in places like Bolton... I very hope much, therefore this can work to do that by Christmas.”
We ask the public to work with us and act responsibly to help prevent the spread
JULIA POPE Superintendent, Sussex Police