Stay safe and stick to social distancing guidelines in Norfolk

That's the message from Norfolk Police as we head into the weekend

Author: Lauren WattPublished 17th Apr 2021

It's the first weekend pub gardens have been reopened since step two of the Governments roadmap was introduced on Monday.

Since then we've also seen non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms also open their doors again.

Now council, health and police leaders are urging you to 'play it safe' and stick to social distancing guidelines if you're meeting up with family and friends this weekend.

Tom McCabe, from the Norfolk Resilience Forum, said:

"The easing of restrictions has given us a chance to see friends again, enjoy a meal out and to begin to move towards normality, but we all need to remember it is only the first step. For the remaining lockdown rules to be safely released, we need to act sensibly and avoid spreading the virus.

To do that, everyone needs to continue to social distance, obey the Rule of Six and avoid meeting people outside your bubble indoors. Only if we all keep following the rules will we be able to keep Covid numbers low and continue to follow the government's roadmap."

Drinkers planning to mark Norwich City's Premier League promotion bid today are also urged to keep any celebrations within the regulations and avoid gathering in groups of more than six people.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Julie Wvendth said:

"We expect pub gardens will be busy this weekend with people taking full advantage of the easing of these restrictions. This third lockdown has been challenging and the lifting of restrictions is a welcome step forward on the roadmap out of lockdown. We want people to enjoy themselves but to do so safely and sensibly, following the instructions of staff at premises. We have additional officers on duty across the weekend who will be able to respond and deal with any issues which might arise."

Norfolk Fire & Rescue service are also reminding people that alcohol is an increased risk factor in drowning incidents and to take care if socialising near coastal or riverside venues across Norfolk, and when walking home near water.