Keep Easter parties outdoors whatever the weather
POLICE chiefs have suggested they will not stop small groups of people heading indoors this bank holiday weekend as the cold weather is expected to make garden gatherings unpleasant.
Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said constabularies will focus on those posing “the biggest health risks” through “large indoor gatherings”.
While up to six people or two separate households are now allowed to meet outdoors, it is feared plummeting temperatures and even snow flurries on Easter Monday could encourage groups gathering in gardens for barbecues to flout rules by heading inside.
The weekend has already seen numerous cases of people refusing to obey the new rules with large crowds and even public disorder being reported at some beauty spots.
On Friday, Boris Johnson urged people to follow the rules by only meeting outdoors even if they have had the Covid-19 vaccine. But, while the weather is forecast to be pleasant today, colder temperatures will engulf the whole of the country tomorrow.
Mr Hewitt said: “We understand that many people will want to take advantage of the opportunity to see friends and family over the bank holiday.
“We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but within the regulations, as coronavirus is still a serious risk to health. While some may be tempted to move indoors, we all have a responsibility to protect those around us, and the regulations are clear that to do that, we must continue to stay outdoors when meeting others. We’re confident that most people will respect the rules and stick to the regulations.
“Policing will be focusing our efforts on breaches that pose the biggest health risk such as large indoor gatherings.”
Many forces used social media to urge people to stick to the rules. Warwickshire Police used Twitter to encourage people “concerned” about those holding indoor gatherings or having overnight stays to report them online. West Mercia Police wrote how despite the “chill in the air”, two households could still only meet outside.
Sarah Kent, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said a cold front with “bitterly cold air” will sweep down from Scotland across the country tomorrow.
“If you can pick a day for a group of six meeting outdoors then Sunday will be the best,” she said. “But, there’s a big change on the way from late Sunday and early Monday.”
Parts of northern Scotland are expected to see up to 15cm of snow. Wintry flurries will then move south across most of the UK as temperatures struggle to reach 6C (43F).
Numerous “Kill the Bill” and women’s rights protests were held in towns and cities across England and Wales. More than 200 youngsters believed to be students were accused of turning a Dorset resort into the “Wild West” during a night of violent disorder.
Pitched brawls broke out at Kite Beach, near Sandbanks, on Thursday as police officers were assaulted and spat at, while bottles were used as missiles during the organised beach party.