“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 Corona virus
Message from Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer – Continue To Think Twice
SHDC – INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY COVID-19
If your household is affected in any way by the COVID-19 pandemic and you need help, see this link:- https://southhams.gov.uk/residentscovid19
New Covid-19 Guidelines. What can I do that I couldn’t do before?
For a helpful summary of how the COVID-19 situation has changed since the new HMG relaxation of the ‘Stay at Home’ guidelines follow this link:- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKSWDEVON/bulletins/28af2c1
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.
Beach activity during COVID-19 pandemic
A statement from Drew Parkinson who is Area Commander For the Coastguard in the South Devon area known as Area 10.
“Coastguard Rescue Teams are assisting Devon & Cornwall Police with Mutual Aid Taskings. Coastguards will be assisting the Police by identifying areas where lots of people appear to be gathering together for BBQs or socialising rather than exercising. They will also identify areas where large numbers of people are exercising making it difficult to social distance.
Coastguard Rescue Teams remain fully operational throughout these taskings and are able to respond to coastal emergencies.
Requests for Mutual Aid should be raised through the Local Resilience Forum for consideration.”
Kind Regards,
Drew Parkinson
Coastal Operations Area Commander – Area 10
The Local Resilience Forum for the SW is : Devon & Cornwall Police, Emergency Planning Unit, 7-9 Hamilton Drive, Middlemoor, Exeter, EX2 7HQ. Contact: Neil Hamlyn Devon & Cornwall LRF Community Risk Register lrf@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
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