South Yorkshire Police praises 'majority of communities' for following lockdown rules

Police officers have been granted powers to enforce lockdown measures imposed by the government to try to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

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Offenders can be arrested for failing to adhere to the rules laid out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he announced the lockdown.

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He said people must stay at home apart from shopping for essentials, medical appointments, exercise once a day and travel to work.

South Yorkshire Police said: “Since the Prime Minister’s announcement, South Yorkshire Police has deployed officers throughout the county to encourage members of the public to follow the government’s instructions.

“We have visited numerous premises that have been instructed to close to ensure they are complying with the new regulation and our officers have been dispersing gatherings and groups while on patrol. We are working closely with all our communities to inform, encourage and support them to adhere with the restrictions.

“On the whole, we are seeing that the majority of communities in South Yorkshire are following the new guidelines. As a last resort, where people fail to comply, we will move to enforcement using the legislation available to us.”

In addition to lockdown, the government has also closed all bars, pubs, restaurants, gyms and other venues where large numbers gather, such as theatres, cinemas and bowling alleys.

The aim is to reduce the spread of coronavirus to save lives and avoid overwhelming the NHS.