Warning over rule of six flouting
ESCAPE to a private island off the isle of SKYE with E.on
‘WHERE people just won’t listen and are putting people at risk, we will take enforcement’ warns one of Warwickshire most senior cops over the new rule of six.
Assistant Chief Constable Franklin-smith said they will always try to resolve breaches of the new government guidance without fines – but added that the will punish those who repeatedly ignore or refuse to stick to the new rules.
He said that officers will be tasked to target areas where there is a rise in cases to ensure that people are sticking to the new rules - no more than six people can meet inside or outside.
“The vast majority of the public in Warwickshire have followed the restrictions so far, making sacrifices to do so,” he said.
“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.”
Speaking about the new rules, Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health for Warwickshire said: “I know for some, this may be frustrating, but they only way that we are going to reduce infection rates in Warwickshire is to reduce the number of contacts people have with each other, which in turn will reduce the amount of people the virus can spread to.
“In addition, it’s also important to remember, hands, space, face.
“To wash our hands regularly, to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and to stay at least two metres apart from those we do not live with when socialising or out in a public space. Equally, if you do show symptoms, that is, a raised temperature, a new, continuous cough or a change or loss of senses of taste or smell, then you must self-isolate and get a test.”
She went on to admit there had been ‘some delays’ in being able to get tests locally, but she added that new slots are now being released twice daily.
The delays across the county were branded a ‘shambles’ by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council leader, councillor Julie Jackson.
But the health boss said that attempts are being made to make more available.
“I know that some people have experienced delays in being able to get tested and whilst this is challenging, you are doing the right thing by staying home and self-isolating,” she said.
“New testing slots are being released twice daily, so do please continue to try and get a test if you have any symptoms. However, please do not try to book a test if you do not have any symptoms. So please, let’s do the right thing and help to keep the communities of Warwickshire safer.”
The numbers of cases across Coventry and Warwickshire have continued to rise in the last week although both remain far below both the national average and the average in areas facing tougher, local lockdowns.
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