What are the new police lockdown guidelines?
POLICE have issued a new set of guidelines, detailing what people can and cannot do as the coronavirus lockdown is extended for another three weeks.
The three-page produced by the National Police Chiefs' Council, set rules on what is a "reasonable" excuse to leave the house.
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People can drive to do a country walk but only if the walk is longer than the drive, says new police guidance on the coronavirus lockdown.
It also states that you can move in with friends if you fall out with your husband or wife.
The new guidance, which appears to contradict some cops’ interpretation of the law, also says people can exercise more than once a day as well as stop to rest or have lunch on a park bench provided you are on a “long” walk.
Police are advising, however, that it is not reasonable to take a “short walk to a park bench, when the person remains seated for a much longer period” or drive for “a prolonged period with only brief exercise”.
The guidance was issued to police officers mid-April by the College of Policing but was not flagged to the public or media.
Forces in England have currently issued a total of 3,203 fines for breaches of the lockdown.
The "new rules" follow criticism of police for heavy-handed approaches including roadside stops of motorists suspected of travelling to exercise, checks for “non-essential” shopping in supermarkets and taping off park benches to stop people from sitting down.
The list of "reasonable" excuses:
NECESSITIES
- Buying several days’ worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol.
- Buying a small amount of a staple item or necessity (eg, a newspaper, pet food, a loaf of bread or pint of milk).
- Collecting surplus basic food items from a friend
- Buying tools and supplies to repair a fence panel damaged in recent bad weather
EXERCISE
- Including: going for a run or cycle or practicing yoga. Walking in the countryside or in cities. Attending an allotment.
- Driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving).
- Stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk.
- Exercising more than once per day - the only relevant consideration is whether repeated exercise on the same day can be considered a ‘reasonable excuse’ for leaving home.
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WORK
- A key worker or other essential worker travelling to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home.
- A non-key worker or non-essential key worker travelling to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home.
- A person delivering food packages to vulnerable people.
OTHER REASONS
- Taking an animal for treatment.
- Moving to a friend's address for several days to allow a "cooling-off" following arguments at home.
- Providing support to vulnerable people.