Police urge communities to 'help save lives' as Sussex enters Tier 4
The county's now under the toughest coronavirus restrictions in England
Sussex Police are asking communities in the county to help save lives by adhering to new Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions.
From Boxing Day, the county will join the rest of the South East in the toughest measures in England, brought in following a rise in cases linked to a new variant of the virus.
It means people will only be allowed to leave their homes to shop for essential items such as food, for medical reasons, or to go to work if they are unable to work from home.
All non-essential businesses, including pubs and restaurants, will have to remain closed unless they are able to offer takeaway, delivery or click and collect services.
Superintendent Julia Pope of Sussex Police explained:
“We recognise this is a difficult time for everyone and we are aware this pandemic has affected everyone in many different ways.
"However this new variant of the virus is more transmittable and it is important right now that we all work together. People need to think about their actions because everything you do could save a life. It is about our own personal responsibility
"Over the last nine months the vast majority of the people we have interacted with have understood and complied with regulations so we haven’t had to use a lot of enforcement. I think this is a great reflection on how the people of Sussex are behaving and would like this behaviour to continue, especially over the Christmas and New Year period.
“We are all aware of the rules and it is vital we all try and do our bit and adhere to them. "
Supt. Pope added that daily patrols will be carried out to target areas where large groups of people may gather - such as parks and outdoor spaces.
“This policing operation is far wider than people think. Where there are blatant breaches and flouting of these regulations then we will intervene, we will be robust and we will take enforcement.
“We will not accept the reckless actions of certain people who are putting our communities at risk.
"This pandemic is not only affecting the public but us too. Many of our officers – as well as other emergency and key workers - will not be able to see family this year.
“We need everyone to work with us and hopefully next year, we will be in a much better place."
A full list of the guidance and rules of living in a tier 4 area can be found on the government website.