CUMBRIA’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall would like to thank the public for their help over the weekend by following the latest advice from the Government, to stay home and save lives.

Before the weekend, there were concerns about people making unnecessary journeys even though the Government’s guidance has been clear in relation to personal movements, in order to limit the spread of Codid-19 virus. Fortunately, the message is getting through but the police will continue to monitor this and deal with those who do not follow the rules, which exist for the safety of us all.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall commented: “I know the restrictions on us all are challenging, especially for those with young children. None of us likes to have our freedom of movement restricted but we are facing a very real life-threatening virus, which is killing people.

“We all have a role to play in helping to reduce the risk of cases of Coronavirus in the county and ensuring that our NHS is not overwhelmed. We owe it to those doctors, nurses and NHS staff putting their own lives on the line to do our bit to help, we may need them ourselves.

“Compared to the previous weekend, this weekend saw local residents, as well as tourists, play their part in community safety, act responsibly and listen to the Government’s strong and clear message to stay at home.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Your co-operation and consent has enabled the police to positively engage, explain and encourage members of the public they encounter within the community. However, we can’t be complacent, we must remain on lockdown for some time and it is critical that we follow the advice from the Government.

“New legislation brought in recently means people who do not follow the Government’s restrictions can be fined. However, so far community co-operation has been such that the force has not had to resort to issuing too many fines.

“There have been a small number of breaches of the new legislation over the weekend and the message is clear – don’t do it, otherwise you will be caught, and the appropriate action will be taken. It is completely unacceptable to spit at police officers or any other staff member responding to the Coronavirus outbreak.

“We can and will come through this challenge. The police and all other agencies are working around the clock to protect us and we all have cause to be extremely grateful for everything they are doing.”