Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, is thanking Cumbrian residents, Police Officers and would-be tourists for following the Government’s advice over the past few weeks.
Easter weekend is usually one of the busiest weekends in Cumbria with tourists flocking to the Lake District however due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Cumbria was unusually quiet with the public staying home.
Speaking on the past weekend, PCC Peter McCall, said: “I really want to thank local residents for following the Government’s guidelines over the past three weeks.
“I really do appreciate that it has been challenging for everyone especially as the weather has been so good making it even more tempting to be out and about.
“It is encouraging to see that the vast majority of people are taking this outbreak seriously and doing their best to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
“It is so important that we do this to give the NHS and their staff a fighting chance to be able to provide the best medical help to those who fall ill with Coronavirus.
“I also want to thank all the Police Officers who have been working hard to ensure compliance with the rules since the Government introduced them.
“This has not been easy, none of us ever thought we would see such restrictions on our freedom of movement in this country, and our police officers certainly don’t enjoy having to police them.
“No emergency legislation is going to be perfect or cover all bases which can put officers in a difficult position, but I am pleased to note that very few enforcement notices or fines have had to be used.
“Most people have been happy to comply with the rules when officers have engaged with them, they are after all in place for the benefit of us all.
“There have been a small number of selfish people who do not believe the guidance applies to them and the police have intervened and will continue to do so where that is necessary.
“I would like to remind the public that the Police cannot change the guidance but they do have to enforce it so please treat Officers with respect and kindness if you meet them.
“Our Officers are not immune to the virus and risk their exposure every day to keep the wider public safe and healthy – they all have families too and also want to keep healthy so please think of them when you are considering leaving the house without good reason.
“Unfortunately criminals continue to operate and whilst managing the restrictions around Coronavirus we do need our officers to be continuing with normal police work so the more we can do to stay at home the less stretched the police will be.
“It is highly likely that the lockdown will be extended, I urge everyone to continue to follow any advice given by the Government – the more we can do to stop transmission the sooner everything will return to normal.
“Please continue to follow the guidelines for your family, your friends, your neighbours, and to support our NHS.”
