“In England, there has now been an easing of Covid-related restrictions and amendments have been made to the legislation, following the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Sunday night.
“It was always going to be challenging when restrictions began to be relaxed not only for policing but all agencies and communities. It may take a while for people to understand what the new guidance means and so our engagement and education is key.
“We will adapt to the new terms of the regulations and will positively engage with the public as we have been doing for the past two months.
“The latest amendments means that we have no role in enforcing social distancing, wearing of masks or distance of travel as the Government have made it clear that there are no longer restrictions on how far people can travel to exercise or for open air recreation.
“There remains a role for the police and our Covid-focus will now turn towards groups of three or more people outside of one household, and public gatherings as these are not lawful under the amended regulations which took effect on 13 May 2020. Where the evidence is clear and as a last resort, officers will use enforcement options that are available to them.
“The police are only responsible for enforcing the law, but our overall aim will continue to be one that sees us engage, educate and encourage people to comply with government guidance.
“My officers do not want to use their enforcement powers but it is right that they are able to take action against those who disregard the remaining restrictions and in doing so put people at risk.
CC Sawyer, added: “I believe the vast majority of the public understand the seriousness of the virus and will continue to do what is required. Personal responsibility is now key and we are continuing to ask the public to ‘Think Twice’ when they leave the house; is it safe and is it fair?
“My message to those people considering travel into the Force area would be that we would love to welcome you back but ask that you wait just a little longer. Cafés and restaurants remain closed, there are a lack of open facilities and we do not have lifeguards on all our beaches. There has been a national collective effort to protect all communities and we are need this national effort to continue for a little bit longer.
“For residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, we want you to be able to enjoy the extra independence you have been given in relation to exercise and open air recreation, but we want you to do so safely. It’s important that we all remember that our actions count and can affect others.
“Feedback from within communities across Devon and Cornwall is that they would prefer each other to stay local. It is important individuals undertake appropriate social distancing measures and ensure that they do not gather in groups with people from outside their home; it is important we all think about the impact our actions can have whether that be on our rural, coastal or urban areas.
CC Sawyer said: “Communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have always looked out for each other, but I feel that this connection is now even stronger.
“There has been a societal shift towards one that is showing a greater level of kindness and compassion, and it is this kindness and compassion which will see us through the following weeks and months.
“Fairness will weigh heavily and people will question the actions of others, which is why I will ask you all to ‘Think Twice’ about your own actions.
“We would like to thank our public for their support. We will continue to do our best to work with them and where we do not have the powers to enforce we will maintain our current approach of engage, educate and encourage.
“It is important we remember why we are all being asked to do this, which is to save lives.”
Posts tagged community
Message from Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer – Continue To Think Twice
CORONAVIRUS: HELPING COMMUNITIES
See link for helpful information:-
https://www.devoncommunities.org.uk/coronavirus-information
Rural organisations call for lockdown travel guidelines to be reviewed
Extract from Rural Service Network Bulletin
27.04.2020
Several news outlets including the BBC, Yorkshire Post and Sky, report on calls from rural groups against recent advice to police forces that it is lawful to drive somewhere to exercise, including a trip to the countryside
The groups argue the new rules would cause ‘untold anxieties’ in rural communities and risk spreading the virus through unnecessary journeys. Driving to the countryside for a walk is ‘likely to be reasonable’ if more time is spent walking than driving, the guidance says.
But in a letter to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, the rural groups claimed the guidance would make managing COVID-19 more difficult.
Police groups say the advice is not for the public – it is meant to help officers decide when to charge someone.
The letter challenging the guidance is signed by the National Rural Crime Network, the Countryside Alliance, the National Farmers’ Union, and the Country Land and Business Association.
Update Covid-19- from Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew
Continue to Play Your Part in Keeping Our Communities Safe
We must all continue to play our part in tackling the spread of Coronavirus.
Just under 300 fines have now been handed out by Devon & Cornwall Police topeople who were breaking coronavirus restrictions issued by the government.
In the 10 days between Good Friday, April 10, and 20 April, 296 fines were issued as a last resort across the region by our officers; the vast majority of these were issued to those undertaking non-essential journeys.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “By now, everyone should know what their responsibility is in the battle against coronavirus; keep staying at home, try to stay local when exercising and only undertake essential travel. This will help us protect the NHS and ultimately, to save lives.
“There is no room for complacency and we must all keep adhering to the government advice. The majority of people are continuing to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and to them that I say thank you, your role in this should not be underestimated.
“There has been much discussion around the legislation and what it does and doesn’t specifically prohibit.
“It’s important to remember that a key factor is if a person’s actions are reasonable or not, and this is why our officers will continue to have conversations with those they stop and will make individual judgements based on specific circumstances presented to them.”
ACC Mayhew added: “A very small percentage of those people our officers speak to during police stops result in enforcement.
“The feedback from the vast majority of our communities is that we are currently striking the right balance between engagement and enforcement, and we will continue to strive to deliver a proportionate approach to the legislation.
ACC Mayhew said: “Please keep to doing your bit by staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel; you are protecting the NHS and saving lives.”
Open Letter to Second Home Owners from SHDC& WDBC
This open letter has the support of Cornwall Council, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, North Devon District Council, Teignbridge District Council and Torridge District Council.
07/04/2020
Dear Second Home Owners
Do not visit your second home this Easter.
It is with a heavy heart that we are writing this letter to you, asking you to stay away this Easter.
In South Hams and West Devon, we deeply value the contribution you make to our local communities and our tourism economy, but this week we must ask you to stay in your primary residence to protect us all.
The Government guidance is very clear, you must only leave your home for very specific reasons, only go outside for food, health reasons and work, and only then if you cannot work from home. Only travel where absolutely necessary.
It is now an offence under Regulation 6 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, to leave the place where you are living without a reasonable excuse.
Travelling to your second home is not a reasonable excuse. To prevent the spread of the virus, where we have knowledge of second homes owners committing this offence, we will share that knowledge with the police.
We are extremely worried about our local population, which has a high proportion of vulnerable and elderly residents. By travelling to your second home, you are putting them at risk.
You are also putting extra pressure on all of our services, at a time when they are stretched to capacity protecting the most vulnerable.
We very much look forward to seeing you and welcoming you back when this is all over and current travelling restrictions are lifted.
Stay safe, stay at your primary residence and we will meet again soon!
Thank you
Cllr Judy Pearce
Leader of South Hams District Council
Cllr Neil Jory
Leader of West Devon Borough Council
BIGBURY CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT GROUP – STATUS
Click here for the report:- Backup of Support Group statushttp://www.bigburycommunity.co.uk/other/bigbury-coronavirus-support-group-status/
TRANSPORT FOR KEY WORKERS: COVID-19
Due to the reduction of bus services across the county, Devon County Council are trialling an on-demand subsidised taxi service for Devon residents for key workers accessing employment only.
This service is intended to replace those journeys which were previously made by bus – a subsidised flat fare will be charged.
Requests can only be made by email and should be sent to devonbus@devon.gov.uk
Please include the following information in your email:
NAME, ADDRESS, KEY WORKER STATUS, EMPLOYER / PAYROLL REF
JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS (pick up/drop off)
We will aim to respond to all requests as soon as possible during normal office hours – journeys should be booked 48 hours in advance of travel.
Kind regards,
John Richardson-Dawes,
Principal Transport Co-ordinating Officer,
Transport Co-ordination Service,
Devon County Council,
County Hall, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QD.
Tel. 01392 383000 (when prompted, ask for John Richardson-Dawes)
john.richardsondawes@devon.gov.uk
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