Cheshire Constabulary urges residents to stay safe ahead of further coronavirus relaxations

Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to stay safe ahead of further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions next week.

From Monday 12 April, England will move into Step Two of the Government’s roadmap which will see the reopening of businesses such as non-essential shops, hairdressers, beauty salons and outdoor hospitality.

This means that cafés, pubs and restaurants will be able to serve food and alcohol outdoors with no curfew or substantial meal required.

The public will be able to visit these venues either with their own household/bubble, in two separate households or by following the rule of six.

While attending these venues, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings must continue.

Officers will be engaging with residents while assisting local partners to ensure public safety once outdoor venues reopen.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “Earlier this week the Prime Minister confirmed that the roadmap out of restrictions is on track and this is certainly the positive news we all need.

“This shows that the majority of the public are sticking to the rules and following the guidance in place in order to meet the four tests to continue easing the restrictions.

“However, now that we are successfully moving into Step Two, we must continue to stick to the rules in place in order to keep the rate of coronavirus infections down.

“This means that when you do go to visit outdoor hospitality venues, you need to follow the measures in place to protect not only yourself, but your loved ones.

“Our officers will continue to engage and explain the new regulations while assisting local councils and licensing teams to ensure the move into Step Two is done safely.”

As part of Step Two, indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas will reopen along with public buildings such as libraries and community centres.

Elsewhere, overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can open as long as residents visit with members of the same household or support bubble.

Outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances can also open their doors.

ACC Sims added: “There is no longer the need to stay at home or stay local but I would urge people to remember that coronavirus is still a real threat in this country.

“Although we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is still a long way to go. 

“The Constabulary will continue its work in supporting local communities as we have done throughout the pandemic, but when officers are met with blatant and repeat breaches of the restrictions they will enforce in order to protect the public.”

To report a coronavirus breach please visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/v7/tell-us-about-a-possible-breach-of-coronavirus-covid-19-measures/

For more information on the coronavirus measures visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Please see the following breakdown figures of FPN notices handed out between 4 January to 4 April by each Local Policing Unit (LPU):

Chester - 226
Crewe - 220
Ellesmere Port - 92
Macclesfield - 209
Northwich - 117
Runcorn - 135
Warrington - 352
Widnes - 211