East Suffolk Council is urging people to respect the official advice to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
The sunny weather saw many people congregate in tourist locations across East Suffolk this weekend despite official advice from the Government to practice ‘social distancing’ – scenes that were replicated across the country.
Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council said: “In light of the scenes seen across East Suffolk this weekend, I feel it is more important than ever to remind residents that social distancing is not optional – it is mandatory and if not practiced, more extreme measures will need to be introduced to enforce this.
“I understand it is difficult for everyone but it is essential that we all respect the official advice of staying indoors and practice social distancing to help protect the vulnerable people in our communities. The NHS is under extreme pressure dealing with an unprecedented situation and we must ALL do our bit.”
Meanwhile, following the Government’s announcement on Friday 20 March that a series of businesses must shut their doors for the foreseeable future to help stop the spread of the virus, local authorities have been designated to take action.
These businesses include pubs, cafes, restaurants, public houses, cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, bingo halls, concert halls, museums and galleries, casinos, betting shops, spas, massage parlours, indoor skating rinks and leisure centres.
The above is enforced by law as of 2pm on Saturday 21 March, due to the threat to public health, and local authorities will be taking action to enforce closures and restrictions imposed by the new regulations. Businesses that do not comply with these are committing an offence and will be subject to prohibition notices and potentially unlimited fines.
For more information and the latest updates, go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-and-other-venues-subject-to-further-social-distancing-measures/businesses-and-other-venues-subject-to-further-social-distancing-measures