Picnics and sunbathing should not come above keeping people safe from Covid-19.
That is the warning from Merseyside Police, who say they will use their powers to prosecute people who they find are flouting current lockdown guidelines while putting themselves and others at risk.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke, said: “As each day passes more families across the region are finding themselves facing the harsh reality of the impact of Coronavirus.
“In the last couple of weeks, we have seen the number of cases increase in the region and we need to ensure that we do everything possible to support the NHS call to #StayAtHomeSave Lives.
“These are exceptionally challenging times. We know that people are frustrated at being asked to stay in but we all need to stick together and abide by the rules so that everyone stays safe.
“Anyone can contract and spread coronavirus so I would ask the question – is having a picnic, sunbathing on the beach or in a local park, or meeting with friends more important than your health and the health of your loved ones?
Over £10,000 raised in memory of Southport Hospital nurse who died with Covid-19
“Our beaches and beauty spots will still be there for you to enjoy once the pandemic is over. And the more we can adhere to the restrictions in place now, the quicker we can return to normality. But ignore the restrictions now and we could find ourselves in this position for longer and possibly with harsher restrictions.
“People should only be leaving home for essential activities – shopping for food and medication, exercising and going to work if they are key workers and can’t work from home – and please remember to abide by social distancing rules when in public places.
“Our officers will continue to be out and about in local communities engaging with the public; checking that people aren’t flouting the restrictions; reminding people why those restrictions are in place and encouraging them to do the right thing and go home.
“We have taken a common-sense approach to policing the legislative powers given to the police and we want to work with people and only use the powers as a last resort. But our message is clear if you are consistently and flagrantly ignoring the Government powers we will use the legislation that is open to us.
“Those who are consistently flouting the legislation are putting others at risk, including their own families, and I would appeal to their families to explain to them the potential consequences their actions could have on their loved ones. At the end of the day none of us want to be cooped up at home, but that’s a better option than the potential alternative.
“These are unprecedented and challenging times for all of us, but we all have loved ones and we need to think about them and understand the danger we are putting ourselves, and our loved ones, in.”
DO you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please email Andrew Brown at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
