STAY LOCAL AT EASTER
Police will monitor for Covid breaches
PEOPLE making plans for the Bank Holiday Easter weekend are being urged to ‘stay local’.
With lockdown restrictions eased, many will be planning to visit friends and family in outdoor spaces or gardens.
But Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-trent City Council are urging residents to minimise the number of journeys they make and to stick to the rule of six people or two households outdoors.
Council leader Abi Brown says breaking the rules over the Easter weekend will only put the planned reopening of local businesses in two weeks’ time in jeopardy.
Ms Brown said: “Over the past few days in Stoke-on-trent the weather has been fantastic, it has been perfect timing with us all now able to see friends and family outside in limited numbers.
“The long Easter weekend for many is a time for family and celebrating with loved ones, but we still need to act sensibly and remember hands, face, space.
“In two weeks’ time many local businesses will be able to open again. Breaking rules over the Easter weekend will only put this in jeopardy.”
Staffordshire Police will be continuing to monitor covid breaches over the Easter Bank Holiday.
Inspector Mark Barlow, right, commander of Stoke-ontrent North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This week has seen an initial easing of restrictions and represents a tentative step towards normality. “But the rules are still clear and it is vital that we all continue to do our bit to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases in the county and make sure that the Government’s roadmap plan stays on track and all of our freedoms can return.
“While the vast majority of people in the city continue to follow the rules, it is disappointing that a small number ignore them.
“As temperatures are predicted to rise, the nights are lighter and with an Easter break on the horizon we are mindful of a potential rise in crime.
“As a force we have robust plans in place to handle this anticipated increase. Our officers will be visible for each of the key dates around the roadmap and will be ready to provide advice over just what the rules mean – while also taking enforcement where appropriate.
“We all know how vital it is not to let our guard down and we will continue to work closely with our partners to help normality return to the Potteries and not put the dates of the roadmap at risk.”
Dr Paul Edmondson-jones, Stoke-on-trent Council’s director of adult social care, heath integration and wellbeing, is advising residents to get tested before seeing friends and family.
He said: “We know many residents will be meeting loved ones outside this Easter weekend and over the twoweek school break. If you are, please remember to still socially distance from one another and get tested on your way or the day before.
“As restrictions ease hands, face, space and getting tested are still vitally important, these are now part of our daily lives, we all need to still protect ourselves and those around us.”