Bedfordshire Police have told the Bedford Independent they’ve been “encouraged” by the number people in the Borough who are complying with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) lockdown.
It’s just over a week since PM Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures to help slow down the number of people being infected with the disease.
Read: PM announces full lockdown
While Bedfordians were out in force at various green spaces at the weekend, Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Sebire said people were mindful of the restrictions.
“Over the weekend, officers were encouraged by the number of people complying with the government’s guidance,” she said.
“But, where required, (officers) dispersed groups from gathering in open spaces.”
The Assistant Chief Constable then went on the say that, as yet, there hasn’t been any action taken against people not following lockdown rules.
“Police involvement is initially to encourage voluntary compliance, and as yet no penalty notices have been issued in Bedfordshire,” she said.
“We are all in this together and we thank the public for their support and for staying at home.”
Read: The latest fact-checked news about coronavirus in Bedford
The main lockdown rules issued by the Government on 23 March are designed to help slow down the number of people needing medical attention, and therefore giving the NHS a chance to cope.
The Government guidance includes:
- Stay at home
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- If you go out, stay two metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not meet others, even friends or family
- You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, our priority is to save lives by protecting the public and the NHS,” adds the Assistant Chief Constable.
“As a force we are working alongside our health and local authority partners to engage and encourage people to adhere to government guidance, explaining the advice where necessary.”
