Politics
Cops BAN booze in parks and beachgoers told to stay away as Brits enjoy Rule of 6 freedom in 24C scorcher
COPS have banned booze in parks and beachgoers have been told to stay away as Brits enjoy their newfound freedom during today’s 24C scorcheer.
Millions have been told to not “drop their guard” when they meet in groups of six after months of isolation in their homes.
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Brits have been warned to not drop their guard as the weather heats up[/caption]
Hundreds of people flocked to parks yesterday on England’s first day of eased lockdown[/caption]
In Nottingham, the leader of the local council announced a ban on drinking alcohol in public places.
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We have had discussions with senior police officers and there will be increased presence in our parks.
“Drinking alcohol in public spaces is not permitted in Nottingham and will be seized on entry to our parks today.
“It’s also totally unacceptable for people to litter our parks in this way. Parks have been a lifeline for many during the pandemic and our staff have worked tirelessly to keep them open, clean and safe.”
Meanwhile in Cornwall, tourist bosses have warned it is “still illegal” to visit as lockdown restrictions have started to lift.
Visit Cornwall’s Malcom Bell said: “The hospitality sector in Cornwall is working hard to get ready for visitors when the time is right – and no one wants to experience another lockdown.
“We want visitors to hear this message, plan ahead, book now and visit later when the rules allow and we look forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful part of the world.”
A message released by Cornwall council warned people should “minimise travel” with no holidays.
Disease expert Dr Bharat Pankhania, a senior clinical lecturer at Exeter University, has warned that Brits must keep their circles small in the continued fight against Covid.
He added that caution and care are needed, as people brace for the hottest day of the year so far with highs of 24C expected.
Dr Pankhania told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “People have been kept in their homes for a very long time and there is of course a build-up of frustration.
“What is important is that people do not extend their circle of friends extensively because this is a human-to-human spread of infection.
“What we need to do is keep your circle of friends small and tight.”
He added: “The expression ‘slippery slope’ is very apt, especially when it is aided by alcohol because what happens when you have a drink and then another one, in the background of a lot of frustration of having been in restrictions, you drop your guard and when you drop your guard and you go indoors with poor ventilation that is where the dangers are.
“Caution, care is needed.”
‘DON’T DROP YOUR GUARD’
Yesterday, large crowds of more than six gathered at the Arboretum in Nottingham – where revellers enjoyed beers and danced in the warm weather.
The boozy students could be seen starting a fight – as hundreds broke social distancing rules and gathered to see what the commotion was about.
Revellers could then be seen spraying bottles of alcohol in the air – chanting and clapping as many joined in and danced in the centre of the madness.
One party-seeker, pulling his shirt over his nose as a make-shift mask, said: “Everyone is feeling happy again, and that’s what’s important.”
Boris Johnson yesterday urged people to remain cautious as the relaxation of lockdown measures in England coincides with the ongoing “exceptionally warm” spell of weather.
The PM has lifted the stay-at-home guidance to allow groups of up to six, or two households, to meet outside in England.
He said yesterday in a video message to the nation to mark the unlocking: “You’ll no longer have to stay at home, but many restrictions will stay in place.
The weather is set to scorch for a second day[/caption]
People gather on Lammas Land in Cambridge, on the first day of a major easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown[/caption]
“You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise travel, avoiding the busiest times and route.
“You won’t be able to go abroad holiday yet because we don’t want people to bring back new variants of the virus when they return.”
He added in another plea: “It’s vital that we don’t overdo it and risk all the progress we have made.
“Please follow the new rules carefully so that we can gradually get back to normal together.”
A No 10 source said yesterday: “Today marks the first real freedom for so many people who haven’t seen their loved ones for months.”
Boris wants to kick off “a Great British summer of sport” — urging the public to get outdoors and take in vitamin D to boost immune systems against Covid.
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England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said there was a “high likelihood” cases would rise as lockdown restrictions were steadily lifted under the Government’s road map.
He added, however, that the impact should be “modest” if people continued to follow social-distancing guidelines.
