Greater Manchester Police have released a statement regarding the changes to local restrictions on Facebook.
The government has implemented local restrictions across Greater Manchester and other areas of the North West meaning those living in the affected areas must now not meet people from another household inside.
The new rules mean households cannot mix inside a private home or garden or socialise with them in other indoor public venues.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed they will continue with their approach of policing ‘by consent and remain consistent with the four E’s approach that we have taken so far’.
Following an increase in COVID-19 cases, there are now changes to the rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 31, 2020
GMP wrote in its statement: “We will continue to work with our communities. We will engage with people, explain the current circumstances and encourage people to do the right thing in complying with the government guidelines.
“We will only take enforcement action as a last resort, when people are not listening and putting others at risk.”
“The guidance around attending licensed premises remains the same in that the premises should be managing social distancing requirements.
“If it is clear they cannot meet this requirement, and people are not social distancing, then they will be expected to close or face the prospect of police enforcing closure.”
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 31, 2020
They also added that they will be increasing resources to preventing illegal raves and large gatherings.
The statement, from Assistant Chief Constable, Nick Bailey read: “We have already prevented a number of events from taking place, arrested a number of people in connection with the irresponsible organisation of unlicensed and seized equipment.
“There is a clear risk from attendance at any of these events or gatherings as there are no safety measures in place and we urge everyone to stay away. We understand the frustration of not being able to continue social lives, or visit friends and family, however the risk of Coronavirus is still present and attending events in large groups is in breach of Covid legislation.”
The statement goes on to explain that anyone ‘young and old’ can catch coronavirus, stating ‘the only way to stay safe and protect your family and loved ones is by following the guidelines outlined today’.
The statement urged the public to ‘look out for each other’, ‘particularly those who are most vulnerable at this time’.
Regarding the news of the restrictions being place on Eid al-Adha, Bailey wrote: “Today also marks Eid al-Adha so many of our Muslim communities will have woken up this morning to find that their celebrations this year may need to be changed at short notice.
“I can only imagine how upsetting this may be, and our officers will engage with community partners and our Muslim communities with understanding and compassion in the coming days to help explain the guidelines and keep people safe.”
The statement finishes with a thank you to the people of Greater Manchester for their ‘continued support as we have seen the vast majority of people following the guidelines and protecting those who are most vulnerable in our society.’
