COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update 22nd May 2020

Recent changes to Government guidance

Following the changes in restrictions from the Government, here are some useful links that could help you and your family to stay safe.

 Staying alert and safe (social distancing)

FAQ’s – what you can and cannot do

Guidance on accessing green spaces safely

Lake District thanks visitors for slow return and respecting local communities

Cumbria’s multi-agency Local Resilience Forum is thanking people for postponing their trips to Cumbria and the Lake District after visitor numbers last weekend were lower than anticipated. But ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and half-term holidays, the message remains that the county is not quite ready for visitors to return in their usual numbers.

Across the area the majority of shops and visitor attractions and amenities, including public toilets, remain closed and many in the local community remain concerned about the potential for further infection spread. As such people are being asked to think carefully before visiting.

While the overall number of visitors was low, some ‘hotspot’ areas such in Windermere, Ambleside and Glenridding were busy, as were locations popular with motorcyclists such as Alston and Devil’s Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale. People are being encouraged to avoid these very popular spots if possible to reduce the risk associated with large groups and ensure that social distancing rules can be maintained.

Richard Leafe, Chief Executive at the Lake District National Park Authority, said:

“Thank you to everyone who listened to our call not to rush back to the Lake District just yet, you’re helping us prepare for a safe, new way to welcome visitors, while protecting our communities. If you do visit the Lake District, please plan ahead: find a safe place to park, remember some of our public toilets remain closed and it’s not currently possible to stay overnight. We ask people to continue to show respect and consideration to each other during this adjustment, maintain social distancing and remember many paths are near farmer’s homes.”

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:

“I continue to urge people to keep their Lake District plans on hold as we grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the county. I understand that people may feel their individual visit won’t cause a problem, but when thousands of people have the same idea then that has the potential to create genuine issues. Staying at home as much as possible and exercising locally remains my advice.”

For those visiting the area there are three key messages: Respect our local communities Be considerate and don’t do things that increase the risk or cause problems for local people, particularly the vulnerable: avoid using paths through farmers’ yards; keep your dog on a lead and take your litter home. Plan ahead and avoid busy places: use saferlakes.co.uk to park safely and considerately and avoid the more popular destinations. Bring your own food and drink to avoid pressure on local shops. Consider the lack of toilet and washing facilities and don’t behave in an anti-social manner. Respect the risk Cumbria continues to record new cases of the virus every day and the threat has not gone away Don’t take risks on the fells, on the water or on the roads. Stay within the limits of your ability and equipment at all times. If you get into trouble help may take longer to arrive and you will put unnecessary additional pressure on local health and emergency workers as well as volunteer mountain rescue and coastal rescue services. Respect the rules Observe all the Government’s social distancing rules. No overnight stays, no camping, no visiting second homes. Avoid crowds. Wash your hands regularly.

Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “It was really good to see that most people followed our advice and postponed their visit last weekend. It was much appreciated by all in Cumbria. Our partners are working hard and putting plans in place to get ready for visitors coming back when it’s safe to do so, but we are not there yet. “We need to remember why we’re doing this - it’s to stop the transmission of the Covid-19 virus and therefore keep people safe. There is still a public health risk to have large numbers of people congregating in some of our more popular destinations. “I’ll continue to say, the Lake District isn’t going anywhere, so please put off your visit for now, but if you do come please show respect, consider the lack of facilities and that overnight stays are not allowed at the moment.”

Domestic abuse Live surgeries

We have been joined by partner agencies, in answering any questions that you may have relating to domestic abuse and child exploitation, via our Facebook and Instagram Pages during our live surgeries.

This week we have focused on domestic abuse and mental health, to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Whether you are a victim of abuse or are worried about a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour, we are here to help.

Mental health support sites

CAMHS
Camsden (for 7-10 year olds)
Young Minds
Kooth
Childline

Thank you everyone who took part, asked us questions and voted in our polls.

Our next surgery will take place on Monday 18th May between 11am-1pm.

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Police in the North West join forces to warn motorists about dangers of speeding

Police in the North West are joining forces to urge motorists to stop speeding following the lifting of some travel restrictions by the government. 

Over the last few weeks there have been a number of incidents of unacceptable speed across the region as people took advantage of the quieter roads - with some clocking up speeds in excess of 140mph. 

Following on from the individual speeding enforcement campaigns the forces have already been carrying out, Cheshire Constabulary, Lancashire Police, Cumbria Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police are joining together to urge motorists to slow down.

As part of a nationwide campaign, the five forces across the North West will be sharing a common goal as they continue to crackdown on speeding motorists. The two week-long campaign, which launches on Monday (18 May), is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) – with a warning from the North West that if you speed in the region, police will take action.

It is important that everyone realises that speed limits are in place for a reason.

Chief Inspector of Cumbria Constabulary’s Roads Policing unit, Ben Swinson, said: “In recent weeks we have seen evidence of people using the quieter roads as an excuse to drive dangerously and at speed. Whilst the world might have changed, the speed limits and traffic laws have not. The county’s roads are not a race track.

“We have seen some particularly egregious examples in recent weeks, including a vehicle being recorded travelling in excess on 130mph on the A69.

“We are expecting the roads to be progressively busier in the coming days and weeks and would urge everyone to drive with caution.

“Driving recklessly puts yourself and other road users at an enormous risk of serious injury or death – and all at a time when the emergency services, and particularly hospitals, are under great strain.” 

Head of Cheshire Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell, said:

“Officers will be out over the next two weeks looking for people speeding in the county. They are not doing this for the sake of it, they are doing it to save people’s lives.

“People are quick to say “police need to prioritise real issues”, “shouldn’t they focus on real crimes?” I want to stress that people are killed and seriously injured as a result of unnecessary speed, so this is, and quite rightly so, a priority for us.

“It is absolutely crucial we engage with and educate motorists on how to use the roads safely - and enforce the law when they are not. If you speed in Cheshire, we will take action.”

Chief Inspector Sue Bushell, of Lancashire Police’s Tac Ops Dept, said: “Road safety is always a priority for us as speeding can have devastating consequences. Sadly, across the North West there has been an increase in some people driving at excessive speeds, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.

“In Lancashire we launched Operation Manta Ray earlier this month to tackle those motorists who think they can use the roads as their personal racetrack. We will continue to act on the concerns our communities have raised.

“No matter how quiet the roads may be currently, the speed limit still applies.”

Superintendent Julie Ellison from GMP’s Specialist Operations Team said: “At all times road safety in and around Greater Manchester is of paramount importance as speeding can have devastating consequences – not only does it increase the risk of collisions occurring, but it can affect the severity of those that do take place and in the worst case scenario can be fatal.

“In this current climate, keeping the pressure off our emergency services is so important whilst they keep the public safe and well. If someone is speeding and they have a collision, this will take up vital resources including NHS, fire and the police.

“We have been extremely proactive in our crackdown of speeding drivers and we have dealt with a significant number of motorists since lockdown started. We expect the roads will start to get busier over the coming weeks and I want to reassure our communities that my officers are working tirelessly to track down these offenders who are using the roads as their own personal racetrack.

“We are working closely with our partners and the community to actively discourage them and would like to encourage the public to ensure they are reporting issues/ concerns in their local area so we can plan our traffic operations accordingly and make the best use of our available officers.

“Being part of this joint campaign with our other North West colleagues shows we are all working towards a common goal – to crackdown on speeding motorists, save lives and protect the NHS.”

Merseyside Police Roads Policing Inspector Carl McNulty said: “While the roads have been clearer than usual, we’ve prosecuted more than 100 people for speeding offences since lockdown began. Our officers remain visible on the road networks and we’re stopping people and enforcing driving laws as always.

“Don’t be complacent: there is no excuse for breaking the laws of the road, at this or any time. Driving at high speeds endangers the lives of those driving and those of other road users and pedestrians, and can put extra demands on our NHS.”

If prosecuted for speeding, the minimum penalty is a £100 fine and three penalty points.
You could also be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.

Information on the penalties for speeding can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties 

Volunteer Special Constabulary playing key role during Covid-19

Volunteers in the Cumbria Police specials teams are playing a key part in helping the constabulary boost policing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Special constables contributed a combined total of nearly 2,500 hours to frontline policing last month (April) – including more than 1,600 hours bolstering the force in duties related to Covid-19.

These volunteers – often known by the public as specials - play a crucial role in fighting crime and making our streets safer.

They form a vital link between their community and the police service.

Among those giving up their free time to volunteer in policing is Special Constable Stephen Berry.

He is one of a number of Sellafield Ltd staff who have been released by their employer to volunteer as a special constable full-time in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Other special constables are also currently performing full-time volunteer roles after being furloughed by their employers.

In April alone, SC Berry contributed 104 hours to helping his community.

It is the latest stage in his three-year specials career, based in Workington.

He said: “I’m very proud to be a special constable, supporting my community, particularly during this unprecedented time

“Since being temporarily released by Sellafield to help during the current Coronavirus pandemic, I have been aligned with a response section working out of Workington police station.

“My duties over this period have included Covid-19 reassurance foot patrols in Workington, as well as assisting regular officers by double crewing with them on general response supporting a wide variety of jobs.

“I think all the parties involved, Sellafield Ltd, Cumbria Constabulary and myself, all benefit from this arrangement.

“It also highlights the responsibility Sellafield displays to the support of the local community as well as providing extra resources.”

Superintendent Lisa Hogan is the head of the people department at Cumbria Constabulary.

She said: “Stephen has shown real commitment and dedication to policing in Workington.

“He is just one example of the many special constables who provide an essential service.

“They are all putting themselves forward to support their communities. I am proud we are able to call on their service during these challenging times.”

During April, special constables:

·       Contributed 2,411 hours in total

·       Contributed 1,627 in policing linked to Covid-19

·       Spent 478 hours in neighbourhood policing

·       Helped with 17 missing people enquiries

·       Recorded 37 statements

Sellafield Ltd proudly supports its employees to volunteer as part of the Employer Supported Policing Scheme.

Staff work with Cumbria Police to encourage employees to get involved in all aspects of volunteering in policing.

Employer Supported Policing is a national scheme which acts as a partnership benefitting employers, their staff and the police service.

It works by releasing special constables and police support volunteers to volunteer in the community.

It is a great way for employers and businesses to play their part in making their community safer.

The scheme asks organisations to consider releasing their staff by giving them paid time off to undertake their volunteer police duties.

Alan Rankin, HR transformation lead at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We are delighted to support Cumbria Constabulary Citizens in Policing, and in particular the incredibly important role special constables play in working to keep the public of our area safe. 

“In these unprecedented and challenging times we are proud that Stephen has chosen to step up and agree to be deployed full time as a special constable to support the Covid 19 response. 

“He is a great example of our employees who are determined to make a real difference and contribution to their local area.  

“As an employer we are humbled that so many of our employees commit time and energy to their communities and Employer Supported Policing is a critical part of that. 

“Sellafield Ltd will continue to provide ongoing support to the Citizens in Policing scheme and we would encourage any of our employees to become involved.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “I am incredibly grateful to all of our police officers, PCSOs and staff who have continued to work throughout the current health crisis with little regard for their own safety.  

“Like so many others they have gone above and beyond to serve and protect the public.  

“I do want to particularly thank our Special Constabulary officers who are unpaid volunteers who carry the same powers, responsibility and accountability as their regular counterparts, but who do it for free and as volunteers.  

“This demonstrates incredible commitment to our community and literally selfless service and a genuine concern for communities right across the county.

“It has been encouraging that out of the tragedy of the Corona crisis we have seen volunteers from all walks of life, serving in all kinds of ways to support us all. And of course the NHS, we are grateful of course to them all - and especially to our special police officers, I would just like to say: Thank you for your service.”

WHAT IS THE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY?

The Special Constabulary is a voluntary body, whose officers form a vital part of the police family, working alongside regular colleagues to police the communities of Cumbria.

Specials perform a variety of police duties to support regular officers with the day-to-day policing of Cumbria.

Specials have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment as regular officers.

To apply, go to our website at: www.cumbria.police.uk/Recruiting/Special-Constables/Special-Constables.aspx

Suspicious email reporting

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk

The message might be from a company you don’t normally receive communications from, or someone you do not know. You may just have a hunch. If you are suspicious, you should report it.

Your report of a phishing email will help us to act quickly, protecting many more people from being affected.

Click here to visit Action Fraud

We're grateful to those who are helping NHS and other

key workers during Covid-19