Police issued 177 fixed penalty notices over ONE WEEKEND for Covid breaches across Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Police issued a "disappointing" number of Covid fines over the weekend after almost 200 lockdown breaches took place in the county.

The fixed penalty notices - amounting to a total of 177 - were issued during proactive patrols and in response to reports of Covid breaches between Friday, March 5 and Sunday, March 7. Fines were imposed for numerous group gatherings including house parties, barbecues and a large crowd of football fans in Corby.

Silver commander for Northamptonshire Police's response to Covid-19, Superintendent Elliot Foskett, said: “While it’s disappointing that our officers needed to issue so many fines over the weekend, it demonstrates our commitment to playing our part in preventing the spread of Covid-19, a commitment which is thankfully shared by the vast majority of people living and working in our county.

“Our message is clear – while the stay at home guidance remains in place, you should continue to follow it, or you risk being fined. The end of restrictions may be in sight but we are not there yet, so please be patient – if we all stick with the rules, we will be free of them sooner.”

The first stage of the government’s plan to gradually ease lockdown came into force on Monday, with pupils returning to school, care home residents now being allowed one visitor and residents being able to socialise in parks and public spaces with one other person.

'Stay at home' lockdown guidance is set to remain in place until at least March 29 when the second stage of the plan is expected to come into force. This stage will allow for larger groups of up to six people or two households to gather in parks and gardens.

Superintendent Foskett continued: “Step one of the roadmap out of lockdown is now underway, but we all need to continue to follow the rules and observe the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance around maintaining social distancing, wearing masks where required, and washing our hands.

“Now the majority of pupils are back in school we’d also remind parents to make sure their drop-off and pick-ups are Covid-secure, and to remember that while children are at school together, under current Covid-19 legislation they cannot socialise together outside of school or school clubs just yet.

“Again, a little patience will go a long way to helping ensure infection rates stay under control so we can all look forward to the conditions being met for the further easing of restrictions into the spring and beyond.”