Residents reminded to stay at home to save lives this weekend – no matter the weather
With the weekend set to be warm and sunny residents are being reminded by the police and council to stay at home and save lives.
Over the weekend there will be additional police patrols across the borough, especially in Wandsworth’s parks and open spaces.
Extra officers have been drafted in to patrol green spaces by both the Metropolitan Police and by Wandsworth Council’s Parks police service. They will be ensuring that members of the public comply with the the rules on safe distancing and the ban on gathering together in groups of more than two people.
Everyone has a part to play in reducing the spread of Coronavirus. People should only leave their homes for one of four reasons:
– Shopping for necessities
– One form of exercise a day
– Any medical need or to provide care to a vulnerable person
– Travelling to and from work when this cannot be done from home
If people do leave home for one of the above reasons, they must maintain a safe distance of no less than two metres from anyone outside their household.
Wandsworth’s environment spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “The medical and scientific advice is very clear – people need to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“There is a chance that people will feel like disregarding these rules this weekend when the weather improves. My advice to them is to stay indoors where possible, and if they need to exercise to make sure they observe the safe distancing rules.
“There will be more police officers on patrol throughout our borough this weekend with special attention given to parks and commons. People who flout the guidelines and don’t comply with police instructions to disperse or move on could be given a fixed penalty notice or even arrested.
“I would like to thank the majority of people across the borough who are doing the right thing and urge them to continue to behave responsibly. If we all comply with the rules we will see off this virus all the quicker.”
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector, Nick Hackett-Peacock, added: “With a sunny weekend ahead there will be additional police patrols to engage with members of the public in open-spaces, parks, supermarkets and NHS locations.
“Officers will be there to provide reassurance as well as encourage and support engagement of Coronavirus Regulations. They will work to ensure that social distancing rules are being respected and will disperse groups of two or more people who are not from the same household. Whilst officers will do their best to resolve any contravention of the new legislation through explanation and encouragement, enforcement can be used as a last resort.
“We are doing this to keep south west London a safe place to live and work, to stop the spread of coronavirus and to support our NHS and keyworkers in the vital work they are doing to save lives.
“If you do witness groups gathering in public, you can report this to police via the Met website or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can direct message @MetCC on Twitter.
“Thanks to everyone for your continued support of the government guidance and regulations. I wish you all a safe and happy weekend.”