PCC urges people to be careful and cautious as lockdown restrictions ease

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has urged the public to be ‘careful and cautious’ as lockdown restrictions are further eased this weekend.

Restaurants, pubs and bars are allowed to open their doors for the first time since March on Saturday (4th July) as long as they can ensure their venues follow the Government’s guidelines. Groups of up to two households will also be able to meet in any location, indoors or outdoors, as long as social distancing is observed.

As the restrictions ease, the region’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy has called on people to act with care and caution to make sure the sacrifices everyone has made over the last three months are not wasted.

Jane said: “Many people are understandably looking forward to going out this weekend to enjoy our region’s fantastic restaurants and bars, something we haven’t been able to do for more than three months.

“I wish everyone who is heading out an enjoyable time, but I would urge you to please be sensible and responsible. Please continue to follow the government’s guidance on social distancing and the directions given by landlords and their staff on how to behave when using their facilities.

“Please keep at the forefront of your minds that we are still in the midst of an epidemic of a most serious disease. Think about your own loved ones and keeping them safe. We all still need to be careful and cautious if we are to prevent spreading Covid-19.

“Merseyside Police have been planning for this weekend for a considerable amount of time and have extra resources available to respond to demands that may arise. I sincerely hope these will not be necessary.

“As we move back to some normality, we are benefiting from the sacrifices we have all made to curb the spread of the disease. Don’t throw it all away. The last thing Merseyside needs is to go into a potentially-disastrous localised lockdown. By being sensible this weekend and in the weeks to come, people can play their part in helping to ensure that our restaurants and bars continue to stay open for everyone to enjoy for the months ahead.”

The Commissioner’s appeal comes after she chaired a meeting at which senior representatives from Merseyside’s Local Resilience Forum briefed elected leaders from all five of region’s local authorities on the measures put in place to prepare for the weekend.

Jane added: “I am grateful to the Local Resilience Forum for offering today’s briefing to elected leaders. It was reassuring to hear of the extensive planning that has gone into the re-opening of our economy.

“I hope everybody will follow the guidelines and stay safe.”