North Yorkshire Police has urged people in tier three areas not to travel to the county during this October half term.
Amid concerns that people from the “very high” tier will venture into the county, police have asked people not to travel unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.
It comes as the county currently sits in the lowest tier, meaning it follows the national guidance with no additional restrictions.
Those areas in tier three, such as Lancashire and Greater Manchester, cannot socialise indoors with other households and have seen pubs closed.
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People under “very high” restrictions are advised not to travel outside of the area.
Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for the force’s response to coronavirus, urged people from those areas to stay away this half term.
He said:
“North Yorkshire is notorious for providing a warm welcome to visitors. But at the moment, we would ask residents from tier three locations to please stay in their own area and help us with the containment of this virus.
“If we can maintain a united approach and stop the spread, I can assure you that when it’s safe to do so – North Yorkshire will welcome you with open arms.”
He also urged young people in the county to follow social distancing guidance and to stick to the rule of six during the break.
“I would appeal to parents and carers to have those conversations with their children, to ensure they are aware of the possible consequences of their actions and encourage them to adhere to the regulations.”
Earlier this week, Superintendent Walker added that there would be a visible presence across the county amid concern that people would also travel from tier two areas, such as York and West Yorkshire.
He said, while the force could not enforce travel restrictions, there would be officers out enforcing the national rules.
“For the public of North Yorkshire and the City of York who are worried what I can say is that officers will be patrolling, they will be visible and they will absolutely be enforcing face coverings and the rule of six as they have been doing throughout the pandemic.”
It comes as the force has handed out 1,151 coronavirus penalties, the most of any police force in the country.
The vast majority were issued for non-essential journeys at the start of lockdown.
The force is also considering introducing “covid cars” as part of £291,897 worth of funding from government to help with enforcement of covid restrictions.
