Police across the UK continue to have the right to arrest or punish people who violate the coronavirus lock down rule.
These rule have been in effect in the UK since March 26, they have been updated at 12:01 am on Wednesday 13th May 2020. With the UK coming out of lock down and Mr. Boris Johnson and the Government's 50-page roadmap means for the general pubic.
However this level of confusion and misinformation has seen the number of fines given out by the police hit over 700 this weekend. And with the heat wave hitting the UK this week we are going to see the numbers increase. It can be seen that certain changes in government guidelines have now been written into law. However. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will abide by applicable rules or write their own amendments.
Has anything changed?
The 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restriction Measures) (England) regulation is basically unchanged, besides from a few key exceptions, which could have a significant impact in relaxing restrictions on movement for the public. They are still imposed “in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health” posed by Covid-19.
Can I leave home?
Yes. However, there still needs to be a good excuses. This includes purchasing food and medicines, in some cases attending funerals, attending courts and attending legal proceedings, and "avoiding the risk of injury."
In addition, the new law stipulates that it will be possible to "collect" items ordered from authorised shops and still be able to go to waste disposal and recycling centres even with restrictions.
How about Sports/ Exercise?
You can now workout with someone from another Family/ Household, alone or with your own family.
Where can I go?
All you have to do is enter the "public open space for outdoor recreational purposes to promote physical and mental health or mental health" with your family and other family members.
The law defines public open spaces as rural public gardens with access rights, open country, and “access to land”. There is no limit to the distance you can travel, and no geographical restrictions.
However, the government warns that if you make Wales a "day trip", you may be in breach of current Wales’s regulations.
Can I drive?
Yes, the Prime Minister/ Government has never banned driving by law, despite his previous opposition.
Gas stations, car repairs, MOT services, taxi companies and car parks are still open despite restrictions.
How often can I go out?
In short… “Up to you”. While the government's previous recommendation was to exercise once a day, the law never really banned the number of times you could leave home or exercise, and it is today.
What else does the law say?
An outdoor playground and garden centre has been added to the list of locations and businesses (parks, supermarkets, hardware stores, post offices, etc.). Despite the restrictions, these locations and businesses can remain open.
In some cases hotels may also provide accommodation for key employees, but only under some circumstances.
But what about social distance?
In some cases, two meters (6 feet) apart. However this is not a legal requirement, as neither the original regulations nor the amended laws specifically deal with social isolation.
However, the government strongly recommends doing this with people who are not at home whenever possible to prevent the spread of the virus.
This may pose questions as to whether police officers can carry out orders in accordance with the law or fine those who did not.
Can I see my family and friends who do not live?
Yes. However, by law, only one person from another family can exercise in public places or, as mentioned above.
The government minister asked people not to visit relatives and friends in their homes and gardens.
Has the police changed?
Yes, the fines they can issue are high in England starting from £100-reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. For the second and subsequent crimes, the fine will double to £200, with a maximum of £3200.
Authorities are still expected to take "necessary and appropriate action."
How long will the rule last?
Emergency law requires a review at least every 21 days and lasts until the government abolishes it. Finally, if not renewed, it will expire 6 months after initial deployment.
If you find yourself in a y trouble during this troubling time please feel free to email us directly info@wainwrightcummins.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
