Policing the new Covid-19 restrictions

Message from Humberside Police:

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “I understand that throughout the pandemic, our communities have had to make great sacrifices and continuously adapt their way of living as new laws and guidance have come into place.

“It has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone and I firstly wish to thank the majority of people within the Humberside Force area for abiding by the restrictions laid out and doing their part towards protecting the NHS and those around them.

“Having had a period of more relaxed restrictions over the summer months, I know the news of a second tightening will be hard for some, however, it is incredibly important that everyone follows the new laws set out to begin today (Thursday 5 November), as they are being put in place to save lives and protect our health service.

“The restrictions being introduced will see our bars, restaurants and non-essential retail stores shut once again, apart from takeaway and click-and-collect services.

“It will also require us to stay at home more, as those that can work from home should do so, and people are no longer permitted to mix apart from in certain exempt circumstances such as childcare arrangements or support bubbles.

“Our schools, colleges and University will remain open and our neighbourhood teams will be on hand to support and offer reassurance where needed.

“I am confident in the public and know that the overwhelming majority will do the right thing as new measures take effect.

“A minority of people however, may be considering the possibility of not following the rules or finding ways to bend the rules. I would appeal to anyone thinking about this to think very carefully about how their actions and about they would feel if others were endangering their loved ones, and I would ask you to make the right choice.

“As has been our approach throughout the pandemic, we will continue to engage with people sensibly and fairly, explaining and encouraging people to follow the restrictions in place.

“Our officers will individually assess each situation but will not waste time with endless encouragement for those who knowingly break the rules and put lives at risk.

“Enforcement is our last resort, but as the public have seen, we will take action against those that do not respond to the first 3 Es or are recklessly ignoring the regulations by organising gatherings. They should expect to receive a fixed penalty notice.

“As ever, our daily business will continue alongside our policing of the Covid-19 regulations, offering support to our communities, providing high visibility patrols and remaining relentless in our approach to dealing with those committing offences or causing harm.

“I would ask everyone to use a common sense approach to reporting regulation breaches, calling our non-emergency number 101 where clear breaches are taking place. Our teams will assess reports on an individual basis and where attendance is necessary, we will do so.

“My final message to all is, stay safe, look after one another and we will be there when you need us.”

The full regulations set out by the Government can be found here.