People across North Yorkshire have been called upon to return home safely after pubs and restaurants close this weekend in an effort to avoid crowds.
North Yorkshire’s Resilience Forum, a partnership between public agencies including police and NHS, have made the plea following crowds on the streets in York last weekend.
Officials said they want to avoid further incidents of people gathering on the streets after the 10pm curfew.
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Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to covid 19, and the chair of the North Yorkshire strategic coordination group, said:
“I am sure that people enjoying the freedom to go out and about in North Yorkshire this weekend do not want to see the enforced interventions being seen in many other northern areas being imposed on the county.
“We must all do what we can to stem the tide of infection and this means that people wanting to enjoy a night out in the pub or restaurant take all the necessary steps to make sure they can get home safely and quickly.”
Supt Walker said police were working with other organisations, including councils, to do all they could to help slow the spread of the virus.
He added:
“However, it’s not just down to police, partners, business owners and licensees to stop the spread of this deadly virus, it’s also down to the public to make the right decisions and abide by the regulations.
“We have been living with covid-19 for some time now and we all know the devastating impact it could have on our loved-ones, families, businesses and our NHS. We also know what we have to do to halt the spread – think hands, face, space, wear a face covering and try to limit contact as much as possible.
“North Yorkshire Police will continue to do everything within our power to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe. We know the majority of the public will join us and follow the rules. Those who do not, and who put the vulnerable among us at risk, should fully expect police to take action against them.
“So my advice to anyone who is thinking of enjoying a night out this weekend is to follow the regulations, otherwise your night could suddenly become a very expensive one.”
Meanwhile, Richard Flinton, chair of the resilience forum, said the county was at “tipping point” and urged people to follow social distancing guidelines.
Mr Flinton added that most infections are linked to households and social interaction.
He said:
“Rather than wait for government intervention and the imposition of more serious lockdown measures being faced by people in many parts of the north of England, we are appealing to people to take the necessary precautions now.”
