| However, whilst the majority have listened to the advice not to travel to tourist spots and parks, there are concerns over the number of people who ignored social distancing guidelines by visiting other households. Norfolk police received 160 calls from members of the public reporting people ignoring the guidelines on Saturday 4 April and a further 198 calls on Sunday 5 April. 51 warnings were given to those in public or gathered at other addresses on Saturday 4 April – including people at a household in the Broadland area having a party, all of which were dispersed back to their own homes. On Sunday 5 April officers issued 58 warnings to those in public or at other addresses, including to a pub in North Norfolk selling take away meals but still allowing customers to consume them in their beer garden. The pub has since been reported to Norfolk County Council Trading Standards. ACC Julie Wvendth said: “I would like to thank the majority of the public who have listened to the Government guidelines to stay home and stay safe over the weekend. “Our stance has been to engage and educate but where people have breached the guidelines we have taken appropriate action to enforce them. “Sadly there is still a minority who believe it is acceptable to continue to ignore the rules and potentially put lives at risk. “Our biggest concern following the weekend is the number of people who have attended other households, particularly for barbeques or parties. The Government guidelines are clear and people should not be visiting friends or family. Joining friends and family is a big risk of spreading the virus and damaging the NHS’s ability to manage patient care. “This virus does not discriminate between friends, families or strangers and it can be transmitted between anyone. If you are supporting relatives and friends in at risk groups – such as doing shopping for them – leave it on their doorstep and stay at least two metres away from them. “I would urge people to consider their plans carefully for the forthcoming Easter weekend and follow the Government advice on social distancing. Unless your travel is essential, the only plans you should be making are to stay home and stay safe in order to protect the NHS and save lives.” For the latest information and advice visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public |
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