Police are urging everyone in North Yorkshire to ‘tread very cautiously’ as cases of the Indian variant of Covid emerge in the county.
Superintendent Mike Walker is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic and he also chairs the multi-agency North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum.
He was speaking after cases of the ‘variant of concern’ were discovered in North Yorkshire, just days after the first cases were found in York.
He says there have been no fines issued for Covid breaches this week.
Supt Walker 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 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.”
On enforcement, he said the police “will only take action against blatant breaches of the health protection regulations.
“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.”