"The next six months are going to be extremely challenging," warns South Yorkshire's PCC in response to new Covid-19 restrictions
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Dr Alan Billings added that everyone "need take note of the Prime Minister’s sombre warnings and play our part in keeping infection levels down."
PM Boris Johnson yesterday (September 22) announced a new set of restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus, including a curfew of 10pm for bars and pubs, table service only for the hospitality sector, reduced exemptions to the "rule of six," and a u-turn on office workers returning to their workplace.
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Hide AdDr Alan Billings assured the public that police will "continue to deal with any situations by seeking to engage, explain and encourage before they enforce following the warnings from the Prime Minister".
Dr Billings said: “I will continue to work with the Chief Constable, partners and communities to ensure that the rules are understood and adhered to and resources are in place.
“I am sure that people in South Yorkshire will continue to observe the new measures even though they cast a dark cloud over our lives.
“I have been assured by the Chief Constable that the police will continue to deal with any situations that arise in the most appropriate way, always seeking to engage, explain and encourage before they seek to enforce – but people should not be in any doubt that enforcement action is always an option if there is wilful non-compliance.
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Hide Ad“We unfortunately have lost a lot of ground because the test, track and trace system is so far behind what was promised.
“There have also been exaggerated claims that we would see the back of the virus by Christmas. We now know that this optimism was misplaced and that the next six months are going to be extremely challenging. We all have a part to play in safeguarding not only our own health but that of our family and the wider community.”
During Tuesday’s address, Mr Johnson reinforced the message that anyone breaking the rules would meet stricter punishments.
He said: "We need to suppress this virus now."