Norfolk Police are urging people to stay at home over the Easter weekend as most Norfolk residents continue to listen to government advice to help protect the NHS.

Last weekend, despite many people staying home and staying safe, Norfolk Police still received more than 300 calls giving information around members of the public ignoring Government guidelines around social distancing and non-essential travel.

As a result, 109 warnings were issued, along with 16 summons for breach of health order.

People are reminded that guidelines state you should only leave your house for very limited reasons, including shopping for basic necessities, medical needs, travelling to work where you cannot work from home and one form of exercise a day.

Officers are also asking those who are taking advantage of exercise, or walking dogs, to be considerate of private land and to keep to public roads and pathways.

The Government guidelines do not support travelling to other households to see family and friends, or visiting tourist spots or public open spaces to meet up or sunbathe.

Officers will continue to reassure, inform and engage with people so they understand why these restrictions are in place.

Simon Bailey, Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who have been adhering to the guidelines; however, we know a small minority have not.

“I understand it will be difficult for communities this weekend, especially as many of us would have been planning to get together with friends and relatives – but it is vital people understand that this is a public health emergency, not a public holiday.

“Norfolk is not open for business. People need to stay away from tourist areas – and restrictions on social gatherings includes having visitors to the home, or in the garden, for example to barbeques or celebrations.

“Right now, our priority is to protect local communities and social distancing will only be effective if we all work together and follow the same advice to stay at home. No one person is immune to this situation and the restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of the disease, protect the NHS and help save lives.”

“The message is simple – stay safe and stay home.”

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green, added: “With the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend on the horizon it will be very tempting for many families to want to venture further afield and enjoy the warm weather predicted. But now is the time more than ever that we simply must adhere to the Government and NHS guidelines and stay at home.

“We all need to follow the rules, we have done so well so far and it is incumbent on us all to do our very best to protect
the NHS and save lives. Your actions this weekend will make a difference.”