Police urge public not to get complacent as Covid rules relax
Northumbria Police is urging people in the North East to continue to follow Covid rules as some measures are relaxed.
The 'Rule of Six' has returned, allowing people to meet outdoors in groups of six.
The police has praised the public for complying with coronavirus regulations, but they are asking people not to get complacent as the lockdown is eased.
Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison from Northumbria Police has reminded people that rules still remain in place.
He said: “I want to take a moment to firstly thank the public for their efforts so far. It has been a difficult year and the support we have had is incredible.
“The vast majority have complied with the restrictions and will be looking forward to being able to socialise with family and friends.
“However, with restrictions set to ease around outdoor gatherings and Easter right around the corner, now is not the time for complacency.
Officers say they have been busy preparing for the restrictions to ease and anticipate that beauty spots around the North East will be popular areas for family and friends to meet up.
Extra patrols will be taking place in parks, throughout the countryside and all along the coast from north Northumberland to the border of Durham.
Police say they want to ensure that outside meetings are conducted in accordance with coronavirus regulations.
Northumbria Police’s pop-up station will be visiting key areas and neighbourhood teams will also be supporting "Operation Coastwatch" in North Tyneside.
Officers will also be working with staff from Nexus around the Metro network and local authorities.
ACC Hutchison said: “Many of the initiatives we have in place to tackle anti-social behaviour focus on holiday periods and when we begin to see warmer weather.
“But with Covid-19 restrictions in place and many popular places to visit closed, our beaches have already been busier than usual and we thought it was important to launch our initiatives early.
“Operation Coastwatch, which was launched at the start of March, will continue all through summer."
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