Staffordshire Police urges caution as restrictions are eased further

As restrictions are eased further on Monday, marking another encouraging step towards a return to ‘normal’ life, Staffordshire Police is urging people not to become complacent and risk undermining what we’ve achieved so far.

These changes will provide people with more options to go out, visit shops, pubs and certain attractions, but there are still rules in place and it is vital people continue to follow them, for their safety and the safety of others.

You can only visit in groups of up to six, or two household groups, providing you stay outdoors. Individuals from different households and groups must maintain social distancing while at these outdoor premises.

Superintendent Mark Ward, head of neighbourhood policing, said:

“It has been a challenging 12 months for everyone and the vast majority of residents across the county have made huge efforts to stick to the rules and do their bit in reducing the number of Covid-19 cases. 

"But it is vital that we don’t put all our efforts at risk.

“While people should quite rightly see this is as the first stage of normality slowly returning and enjoy themselves in a safe way, the rules are still very clear.

“We must continue to be responsible and do what we can to keep ourselves and each other safe from coronavirus so we can safely unlock a more normal way of live again.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to engage and explain the rules and encourage people to follow them, only using enforcement as a last resort. 

“As restrictions continue to ease our focus will be on large indoor gatherings, like parties and illegal raves.

"Anyone who is organising or attending these does not need the regulations explaining to them, and in situations like this, our officers will quickly move to enforcement.”

For more information on what you can and cannot do from Monday, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do.

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