Latest coronavirus regulations
Residents and visitors in Devon and Cornwall are being urged to continue to play their part and prevent the spread of coronavirus after new regulations have come into effect making it illegal for groups of more than six people to gather socially.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the rule of six means that anyone gathering in a group of more than six people in any inside or outside place will be dispersed and could be subject to a £100 fine if they refuse to comply.
Devon and Cornwall Police will maintain the approach of 4Es to the new legislation using engagement, education and encouragement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations. Enforcement remains a final option.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a shared effort and police will play a part alongside the Government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.
“The change to COVID-19 legislation, and subsequent change in the law, means everyone has a legal responsibility to play their part and not gather in a group of more than six people.
“The new rules are clear. We all have a personal responsibility for following them to help stop of the spread of a deadly virus.”
There are some exceptions to these rules, including if everyone in the group is a member of the same household or two linked households.
The new regulations do not refer to schools or other childcare, education or training, the workplace, for voluntary charitable purposes or providing support to a vulnerable person.
The regulations do apply to the majority of public spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.
Gatherings of more than six, but no more than thirty, may be permitted at weddings or civil partnerships, funerals and other religious or belief-based life cycle ceremonies.
Police will have the ability to issue an on the spot £100 fixed penalty notice, which can rise to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offending.
Assistant Chief Constable Mayhew added: “Demands on Devon & Cornwall Police, and the police service in general, are back to pre-COVID levels, making it even more important that people respect the change in the law and take personal responsibility.
I hope that we do not need to enforce the legislation as people understand the importance of the measures to keep us all safe. In the circumstances where police do engage with a group, I hope they all disperse and we do not need to issue a fine, but the powers are there should officers need them.
“The pandemic has not gone away and everyone must play their part to protect themselves, their families and our communities.
“I know we are seeing large numbers of younger people returning to universities in our region and campus life is likely to be very different with these measures. The work of universities and student groups to prepare for the year ahead highlights how we can all adapt”
“But I would ask everyone to respect yourself, others and comply with the law to make Devon and Cornwall a safe place for all.”
If members of the public are concerned that the law is being broken or they are experiencing anti-social behaviour, they can report this to Devon and Cornwall Police. We will consider the most appropriate response and will target the most problematic behaviour. Reports should be made through online reporting wherever possible via https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk.

Full details of the guidance can be found on the Government website – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

“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.”