Indian Variant: North Yorkshire Police plea to "tread very cautiously"
Officers have also provided an update on the number of fines issued this week.
North Yorkshire Police are asking people in the county to "tread very cautiously" as restrictions are eased, until more is known about the Indian coronavirus variant.
Superintendent Mike Walker (pictured above) has said the situation is being monitored "extremely closely".
He also said earlier that no fines have been issued in North Yorkshire for coronavirus breaches.
Police revealed last week that they are now only going to take action against "blatant breaches" of lockdown rules.
"Be prepared for whatever may occur"
Superintendent Walker, who leads North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic, said: "As you will be aware, the latest Step 3 easing of the restriction under the Government’s Roadmap Out of Lockdown comes at a time when there is growing concern in other parts of the country regarding the so-called ‘Indian variant’ of Covid-19.
"The situation is being monitored extremely closely, and our residents and businesses can be assured that the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum will take any necessary action should it pose a risk to our area.
"Even though limited indoor gatherings and indoor hospitality are now allowed under Step 3 of the roadmap, in line with the “Rule of Six” or two households restrictions, we strongly urge people to be very careful until more is known about this variant.
"Please avoid any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble, and please keep following the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ advice from the health experts.
"We have come a heck of a long way"
"We have come a heck of a long way since the terrible peaks of this pandemic, which forced the country into three lockdowns.
"We need to tread very cautiously as we move forward and be prepared for whatever may occur over the coming weeks.
"All being well, we will stay on course for all the restrictions being lifted on 21 June."
Speaking about the lack of fixed penalty noticed issued this week, he added: "Our officers and staff are continuing to provide a highly visible and reassuring presence in our communities.
"They are also working alongside our local authority and trading standards partners to ensure the reopening of pubs and restaurants is carried out in a Covid-secure environment. There have been no issues or incidents to report at this time."