Isles of Scilly police turn away holiday makers
AGROUP of holidaymakers hoping to spend Christmas in the Isles of Scilly were sent packing by police.
The area is the only place in England which remains under Tier One restrictions, meaning groups of six people can meet inside and pubs can remain open.
The five individuals from Tier Four areas, who are required by law to stay at home during the current restrictions, received a nasty surprise upon arrival at St Mary’s airport on Christmas Eve.
They were greeted by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police Isles of Scilly policing team and sent back to the mainland.
The four-strong Isles of Scilly police team used social media to write: “Xmas Eve at St Mary’s Airport.
“Five people turned away today having travelled from Tier Four regions for a holiday.
“We’re proud and protective of being the only Tier One region in the country and have been working with Skybus and mainland colleagues to keep it that way.”
The news of the attempted holiday visit came days after the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, announced that a number of areas, including Cornwall, would face an increase in their tier level, meaning there would be further restrictions in order to mitigate a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
With Cornwall and Herefordshire moving up to Tier Two and the Isle of Wight becoming a Tier Three area, the Isles of Scilly – with only two coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in March – were left as the only tier one area in the country.
A number of Twitter users reacted to the tweet from the Isles of Scilly police officers, criticising the five would-be holiday makers and praising the police officers.
Train Manager David said: “Well done, good work, keep it up. We could do with that approach on the railway network.”
Tina Hawkins said: “Pity we didn’t do it as a nation. Well played Devon and Cornwall
Police.”
Martyn Alvey wrote: “Great job, but let’s hope that the police in their home town have been asked to check they have returned to whence they came and not been foisted on Cornwall!”
Scilly Pelagics said: “I saw you questioning people at the airport. Guessed this is what you were doing. Very many thanks indeed.”
Nick C wrote: “Well done to the IOS. It’s time these muppets realise rules are for everyone and you can’t just ignore what you don’t like. Tougher penalties are needed.”
The Government’s guidance for Tier Four areas stipulates: “If you live in a Tier Four area, you are not permitted to leave home or the place you are living for holidays or overnight stays unless with a reasonable excuse, with holidays explicitly prohibited, including visits to second homes or caravans if it is not a primary residence or staying with any individual not in their household unless in their support bubble.”