BORIS: DON’T BE RECKLESS ON SUPER SATURDAY
BORIS Johnson has warned against “reckless behaviour” as pubs reopen tomorrow.
The Prime Minister said the coronavirus threat is not over and warned businesses could close again if the virus spreads rapidly.
Emergency service chiefs also pleaded with people to drink responsibly and not become a drain on frontline workers.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers are set to reopen on what has been dubbed
Super Saturday as the easing of the lockdown continues.
At a news conference in Downing Street today, the PM is expected to say: “Tomorrow is about supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country, all of whom are opening their doors for the first time in more than three months.
“All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe.
“But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.
“The virus is still with us. If it starts running out of control again the Government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and reimposing restrictions.
“Anyone who flouts social distancing rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal.
“So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British public to do so safely.”
Thousands of extra police officers will be deployed in town and city centres tomorrow.
Senior officers are urging the public to stick to social distancing guidelines so that ministers do not have a decision to make on further local lockdowns.
Mr Johnson said yesterday: “Do not undo the sacrifices you have made with reckless behaviour.
“The public need to stay alert and realise that the threat is not over, follow the guidance and behave responsibly so that this virus cannot re-emerge in communities across the country.
“We are working through our road map but this could easily be undone.”
His spokesman added: “He does want to see people go out to enjoy themselves.
“He’s also very clear that everybody needs to be careful, stay alert and follow the guidance.
“The guidance is there to keep everybody safe and to control the spread of the virus. It’s hugely important that everybody follows the advice and makes sure they don’t overdo it.
“He wants people to enjoy the fact that parts of the economy will be open again.There will be lots of people that have missed being able to go out for a drink or a meal.
“But people do need to ensure they follow the rules and make sure they don’t over do it.”
Police in Manchester admitted they do not yet know whether people will avoid pubs and restaurants on Super Saturday due to virus fears.
Superintendent Chris Hill said planning began for the reopening almost as soon as the lockdown was enforced in March.
He said: “Everyone has worked really hard to get the hospitality industry open again. It is the right thing to do.
“You will see lots of yellow jackets in our towns and cities.”
Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, of Devon and Cornwall Police, admitted officers are relying on groups to police themselves as his force braces itself for an influx of visitors to the area.
He told the Daily Express friends and family members must look after each other, but police will arrest people if they begin fighting or causing criminal damage. He said: “We want people to have a good time. We know people will be excited.
“But we are relying on groups policing themselves. We have all been there, where we have been out and one of our friends has had too much to drink.We need groups to be responsible.
“We have planned for more flare-ups and confrontations but we are not going to cause it through our presence.”
Chief Constable Sawyer said tensions could spill over if people are denied entry to multiple venues
due to social distancing guidelines. He added that crowded beaches could also create tension.
He said: “There are people who are frightened and do not want this influx of visitors. Our job is to support those whose businesses have gone to the wall while keeping people safe.
“All people have a duty to drink responsibly, adhere to social distancing and not fight or commit criminal damage simply because we are coming out of lockdown.”
Martin Hewitt, National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman, said:
“We know that the public will feel a sense of relief that things are slowly getting back to normal and will want to take this new opportunity to enjoy themselves with their friends and family.
“We want everyone to have a good time but please do so safely, responsibly and with due regard for the public health measures in place.
“Coronavirus still presents a significant and deadly threat to public health.
“Don’t be a drain on the emergency services by drinking too much or through antisocial behaviour.
“Please also reassess your plans if you arrive somewhere and establish that social distancing isn’t achievable.
“In the past week, we have seen a number of public gatherings where police officers have been physically attacked.
“Assaulting any member of the emergency services when they are working for the good of us all is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We will always seek to prosecute against those who assault officers.”
Professor Anthony Marsh, of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, said: “We are encouraging people to drink responsibly, to eat before they drink alcohol and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
“To continue to prevent the spread of coronavirus, people should continue to wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing.”