To all parents and guardians,
Coronavirus Social Distancing and Isolation Special Measures: a message from your Local Police Force
A Timely Reminder of your individual social responsibilities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.
As you are aware we are facing the Coranavirus Pandemic and it presents an acute risk to the health of the nation. The Coronavirus is a particular high risk to the elderly and those with pre-existing serious health conditions where there is a real risk in the event of contraction of the virus to be fatal.
The UK Government has implemented stringent measures which they are instructing everyone to adhere to. Everybody has an active part to play to prevent the spread of the virus. The aim being simple: To save lives and lower the stress on the NHS. The measures implemented have never been seen before and have a real impact on our day to day lives, which we understand. It may be frustrating but we all need to pull together as community to successfully fight this disease and overcome it. The danger is real.
As a reminder the Governments instructions are:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
Stay at home and keep your children at home.
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Sadly despite the high profile daily news the Coronavirus generates we are getting reports of children congregating in groups within the community which we are having to disperse.
As parents you have a social responsibility for your children, to know what they are doing and where they are going. You have a real duty to your community, to the elderly, the vulnerable, and others to whom virus is a particular health risk. You must make sure your children adhere to these clear, simple instructions – this cannot be over emphasised.
It is disappointing to have to deploy Police patrols to such reports in the current climate and with the level of official communication; people should now understand their responsibilities. Your local Police’s stance is to engage, explain and encourage.
However legislation has now been passed to give Police nationally the power to detain and issue penalty notices and if necessary to arrest those who will not engage and play their part. This is very much a last resort, and your local Police would like to think that everybody in the community is united and willing to make the small sacrifices necessary to bring an end as quickly as possible to this virus in the UK and the wider world.
Your local Police are working hard to make sure the special measures introduced are adhered to and be prepared that you may be stopped asked the purpose for your journey or presence outdoors.
We would like to thank the majority who have been complying with the requirements and volunteering to help the national effort through official channels – it is a tribute to the strength of the local community.
So to re iterate the basic message you and young children should STAY AT HOME for the good of the community.
Thank you for your compliance.
Ellesmere Port and Neston Local Policing Unit