Police fine 400 people for Covid-19 breaches across Leicestershire

The figure has been confirmed today by Chief Constable Simon Cole, who is urging people to observe social distancing regulations to limit the spread of the virus as outdoors contact is now being allowed with one other person from another household.

He said his officers had a policy of engaging with people and acting appropriately if there has been a clear breach of government regulations.

Chief Constable Cole said: ““Officers are still able to issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone found to be in breach of the regulations.

“To date, we’ve issued just over 400 fixed penalty notices.

“The government has increased these from £60 to £100 and they will double with each further breach, to a limit of £3,200.”

Police have no role in enforcing social distancing, wearing masks or avoiding public transport, he said, but they may have a role where people are gathering in groups including people not in their household, as this isn’t legally permitted in the regulations.

The regulations also prohibit you from leaving your home to visit and stay overnight at a holiday home or second home, or to visit the homes of friends and family where you are not protecting a vulnerable person, escaping the risk of harm or visiting for medical reasons.

“We’re asking people to continue engaging with us positively, as they’ve done to date,” said Chief Constable Cole.

“We’re very grateful for the cooperation we’ve seen across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Hundreds of people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have died from coronavirus so far.

“Nobody here wants to see a new wave of infection.

“We’ve come this far.

“Many colleagues have worked hard and put themselves at risk for Leicestershire and Rutland people.

“Everyone has a responsibility and a civic duty in respecting the terms of these regulations and our officers will remain inquisitive where necessary.”

Travelling to outdoor spaces in Wales and Scotland for recreational activities – not exercise – may result in offences being committed in those jurisdictions, and therefore may not be a reasonable excuse for leaving home.

“We recognise these changes will mean more people are out and about,” adds the Chief Constable.

“We will continue to respond to any concerns or issues you have in order to protect our communities and keep people safe.

Issues can be reported via the force website – www.leics.police.uk – or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

University Hospitals of Leicester have confirmed a spike in deaths of patients with Covid-19 at city hospitals, which treat the more serious cases in Leicestershire.

A spokesperson said: “Sadly, we can confirm that 299 patients being cared for at our hospitals, and who had tested positive for COVID-19, have died.

“16 of those deaths were announced on May 14.

“The ages of the patients range between those in their 70s to those in their 90s.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the patients at this very difficult and distressing time.”