York police patrols have reiterated the need to stay at home after seeing lots of people out and about on Easter Saturday.
On the Twitter account for York North Safer Neighbourhood Team, officers said:
Only been on shift two hors but it’s disappointing to see so many people out and about.
Daily exercise is important for mental health but clearly some are just pushing the boundaries now.
Please stay at home and protect the NHS. This is not over yet!
The police said they had had reports of
- sunbathing by the river
- groups meeting in alleyways
- reports of barbecues with non-family members
- and lots of people just walking round.
And said if people didn’t adhere to the stay at home message, tougher restrictions could be brought in.
‘A jolly time in the sun’
They said: “We know this is difficult but we must work together. Please stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
“We must stress the vast majority of York residents are doing an amazing job but the warmer weather was always going to play a part.
“Daily exercise is so important but we all have a part to play. The last thing we want is tougher restrictions.”
Responding to the tweet, one person said: “I witnessed this a lot yesterday on the Knavesmire. I was walking home from Tesco and there were countless people out just having a jolly old time in the sun.”
Another said: “People on York Racecourse playing cricket this afternoon! So selfish! Do they not think everyone wants to be out enjoying the sun?”
And a third said: “A family at the back – loud music, drinking, swearing, shouting having friends or family round, laughing in the face of the Covid-19 rules, could not give a damn.
“It’s despicable and disgusting – NHS, all medical staff, police risking their lives for them.”