Police warning: Tier 3 Covid rule-breaking will not be tolerated
PERSISTENT AND SERIOUS OFFENDERS WILL BE FINED
AS Hull and the East Riding move into Tier 3 restrictions Humberside Police has warned people not to break the rules during the festive period.
There will be the temptation to flaunt the rules in order to enjoy the Christmas celebrations with others even before the rules are relaxed between December 23 to 27.
Humberside Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble says officers will continue to take a gentle approach to enforcement which has worked well throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
But he says persistent and serious rule-breakers will be punished and fined.
He said: “I am confident the overwhelming majority will do the right thing as the new measures take effect.
“As with our previous restrictions, there will be a minority of people that may not follow the rules or find ways to bend them.
“I would appeal to anyone thinking about breaching these guidelines and laws to think very carefully about how their actions and to consider how they would feel if others were to endanger their loved ones. I again ask people to make the right choice.
“As has been our approach throughout the pandemic, we will continue to engage with people sensibly and fairly, explaining and encouraging people to follow the restrictions in place.
“Our officers will individually assess each situation, but will not waste time with endless encouragement for those who knowingly break the rules and put lives at risk.
“Enforcement is our last resort, but as the public have seen, we will take action against those who are recklessly ignoring the regulations by organising gatherings. They should expect to receive a fixed penalty notice.”
But ACC Noble has praised the majority of people who have been sticking to the rules and guidelines.
He said: “Throughout the pandemic, our communities have had to make great sacrifices and continuously adapted their ways of living as new laws and guidance have come into place, and these latest changes will also need to be adopted by our communities.
“As we approach the festive season I want to thank the majority of people within the Humberside area for abiding by the restrictions and playing their part in protecting the NHS and those around them.
“The restrictions of Tier 3 being introduced will see our bars and restaurants remain closed apart from takeaway and click-and-collect services. Non-essential retail stores are able to re-open their doors once again.
“It is still wise to stay at home as much as possible, and follow the strict social gathering advice that there is to be no household mixing while in Tier 3 apart from in certain exempt circumstances such as childcare arrangements or support bubbles.
“Our schools, colleges university will remain open our neighbourhood teams be on hand to support offer reassurance wherever whenever needed.”
ACC Noble also says normal policing will continue and will not be compromised by trying to police the Covid rules.
He said: “I would ask everyone to use a common sense approach to reporting regulation breaches, calling our non-emergency number 101 where clear breaches are taking place. Our teams will assess reports on an individual basis and where attendance is necessary, we will do so.
“My final message to all is, stay safe, enjoy the run up to the festive season as best you can, look after one another and we, of course, will be there when you need us.” and and will and and