Police urge residents to stick to social distancing and outdoor gathering rules this weekend

As the May Bank Holiday approaches, Staffordshire Police is urging people to make sure they maintain social distancing and only gather in groups of up to six outdoors as we continue on the government’s roadmap out of the latest coronavirus lockdown.

From 12 April, non-essential retail businesses were permitted to open as well as personal care premises, indoor leisure facilities and outdoor pubs and restaurants.

However, people should still be maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings where necessary, and only mixing in groups of up to six outdoors.

These rules should be adhered to even as we all look to meet up with friends and family for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Superintendent Mark Ward, head of Staffordshire Police’s neighbourhood policing teams, said: “All of the people of Staffordshire’s hard work and sacrifice is paying off.

“But to make sure we continue to move in this positive direction, it’s important we keep the coronavirus in our minds and stick to the rules.

“Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, I want to remind everyone that there are still limits on how many people can meet up in groups outside.

“As the weather has improved and restrictions have eased, we have seen reports of several large gatherings in outdoor spaces across the country, most commonly, in parks.

“Our officers will continue to carry out patrols across Staffordshire to engage with the public and explain the restrictions.

“However, anyone who is found to be in blatant breach of the rules, such as organising or attending unlicensed music events or large gatherings, which undermine all our efforts so far, we will take action and issues fines.

“I would also like to reassure residents that we will continue to do all we can to keep them safe from the threat of covid-19 and hope that the weekend is an enjoyable one for all across Staffordshire.”

To find out about the latest coronavirus restrictions, visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

To contact Staffordshire Police, message us on Facebook, Twitter, call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.