GMP warning over virus challenge
GREATER Manchester Police have warned the public that their service ‘may look different for a while’ after the coronavirus outbreak.
The country was put on virtual lockdown this week when people were told to avoid all essential travel and contact with others in a bid to try and stop the highly contagious flu-like virus spreading.
The measures are being implemented to try and limit the stress on the NHS during the peak of the pandemic.
However the region’s police force today said the situation, unprecedented in our lifetime, would also be a ‘huge challenge’ for them.
Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) Ian Pilling said the situation was likely to see a rise in demand for assistance from officers at the same time the illness would be putting pressure on staffing levels.
He said a number of staff had already fallen ill or had to enter self-isolation as per the government’s guidance, but did not say how many and did not reveal if the force had seen any confirmed coronavirus cases.
However, he moved to reassure people, saying that they had contingency plans and could move staff around where needed.
He said they would continue to risk assess all calls and incidents and they would be prioritising their response to ‘those who need it most’.
He said: “We are all facing a unique set of circumstances which has already begun to pose a huge challenge for everyone.
“We are extremely proud of our workforce at GMP and the health and safety of our staff will continue to be one of our top priorities.
“We have tried and tested plans in place, and as a big organisation, we have the ability to move resources around to meet the increasing demands that we face and will continue to deliver this to the best of our abilities whilst facing the obvious challenges this situation will bring.”
One of the major ways the public could help, DCC Pilling said, was by using other channels such as the force’s LiveChat function on their website, or 101 to report crime where possible and only to ring 999 in a genuine emergency.
“Please remember that if you call us unnecessarily, you are potentially taking a resource away from someone else that may be vulnerable and could urgently need our assistance.
“I would also urge the public to look out for each other, particularly those who are most vulnerable, at this time.”