Message from ACC Andrew Slattery

The Government announced on Wednesday evening changes to the law that mean gatherings of more than six people are unlawful from Monday, 14 September with exceptions being made for a number of situations including household bubbles, work and education.

The Government has introduced this across England in response to a significant increase in infection rates and the potential for this to result in a rise is hospitalisation and deaths over the coming months.

I welcome the announcement, which gives people clarity on what they can and can’t do.

In Cumbria, the overwhelming majority of people have reacted positively to the introduction of previous rules aimed at limiting the spread of the Coronavirus and I urge people to do the same now.

Following this rule in your personal lives – and by remembering to wash your hands thoroughly, covering your face in enclosed spaces and social distancing wherever possible – will have a significant impact of the spread of the Coronavirus and reduce the risk to you and your families.

If you are at all unsure on what the current Government guidance is, a good place to start is the Government’s own website, which includes a very helpful FAQs section.

As Government announces new rules limiting the number of people that can gather together, 45 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Cumbria in the week ending 4 September, up 11 from the previous week.

Early indications for the current week suggest the numbers are continuing to increase.

The local increases reflect the national picture in the England where cases are increasing in all areas.

The weekly COVID-19 situation update is published at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread

In response Government has announced a tightening of COVID-19 restrictions, setting a new limit of just six people on gatherings indoors and outdoors.

From 14 September - when the new rules apply - it will be against the law to meet people you do not live with in a group larger than 6 (unless you are meeting as a household or support bubble). The police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notice) of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.

A number of exceptions apply and full details can be found on GOV.UK

In Cumbria, Barrow-in-Furness reported the highest number of new cases, up from 0 to 11, with additional cases being reported during this week. Indications are that cases in Barrow are associated with a number of distinct and unrelated clusters, with infection having been brought into the town by people returning from elsewhere. A dedicated Incident Management Team has been set up by the county’s Public Health team to monitor the situation and guide the public health response, the same approach as taken in Carlisle previously. Case numbers are still low, but officials are keen to prevent further spread.

As expected, a small number of isolated cases are being identified amongst pupils and staff returning to schools, but as yet there have been no outbreaks associated with schools or evidence of infection spread between pupils. Again additional support has been put in place to ensure schools have the advice and support they need.

High demand for testing is continuing, with nearly 7000 people tested in the last week, which is resulting in some being unable to book a test at a local centre. Public Health have worked with the local NHS to make additional testing available for school pupils if required and agreement has been reached with Government to prioritise availability of Mobile Testing Units in Cumbria given their importance in ensuring local availability of testing. Work continues to secure new fixed public testing sites in towns around the county.

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

“We are now clearly at the point where there is significant risk of a second wave as we head into winter. Government is tightening restrictions now to try and prevent that, while also trying to allow society continue to function. This is a difficult balance and inevitably some things may feel contradictory.

“But there is good sense behind what is being put in place and I am fully supportive. We really need everyone to take note of the new regulations and act accordingly. If we fail to get a grip now then there is the risk of further restrictions that no one wants.

“So I’d urge everyone to stick to the new rules around group sizes, continue to wash your hands regularly, cover your face when in enclosed spaces and maintain social distancing.”  

Assistant Chief Constable, Andrew Slattery, of Cumbria Police, said:

“From Monday the Coronavirus Regulations are going to change and Government has been clear that action should be taken by the police where these laws are being broken. In line with police forces around the country we want to work with the public to keep everyone safe and will do so using our established approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage and as a last resort, Enforce. In our experience, people often say that they are unclear on the rules and are happy to comply when they are explained. But in a minority of cases we do have to take enforcement action, and we will continue to do so as necessary.

“I would urge the public to comply with the regulations and remember why they have been put in place. We have previously seen people looking for the loopholes or trying to justify why they shouldn’t have to comply and this really is not helpful. The rules are in place to protect everyone’s health and they rely on us all behaving responsibly.”

As pupils return to school and more people return to the workplace, demand for COVID-19 testing is increasing rapidly.

In the week to 4 September almost 7000 people were tested in Cumbria, but some have reported they have been unable to book a test at a local test centre, with a minority being advised to travel long distances to access testing.  

The county’s Public Health team, along with local and national partners, are working to increase both the number of public test centres and the overall number of tests available each day.

To read the full story, please click here.

A big thank you to everyone who joined our online suicide prevention surgery on Facebook - both publicly and privately.

We were joined by local suicide prevention charities in hosting an online ‘suicide awareness surgery’ last night (10 Sept).

The event was held virtually via Facebook and was aimed at raising awareness whilst promoting the services that are available to anyone who is going through a mental health crisis, or knows someone who is struggling.

However, as well as publishing sign-posting and other information, the event also saw around a dozen individuals from around the county make contact – both publicly and privately - to ask questions and seek help and advice.

Agencies represented at the online event included the Samaritans, Every Life Matters, Cumbria County Council, the NHS and Cumbria Police. The event was seen by more than 30,000 people and will remain on the Cumbria Police Facebook page for people to view indefinitely.

To read the full story click here.

This week we have once again been joined by partner agencies in answering any questions that you may have relating to domestic abuse, via our Facebook and Instagram pages during our live surgeries

This week we have focused on sexual abuse. Thank you to everyone who took part in the event, asking questions and voting on our polls.

Our next live surgery will be on Monday 14th September, over on our Facebook page. If you would like to join us between 11-12, you can do so by clicking here.

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

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Man wanted in connection with Barrow drug supply investigation

Jack Murphy, aged 25, has links to the Cheshire and Merseyside areas as well as Barrow.

Officers are requesting the public’s help in locating a man wanted in connection with an investigation into drug supply offences committed in the Barrow-in-Furness area. 

To view the full story click here.

Carlisle man charged with murder of Lee McKnight

A man been charged in connection with the death of 26-year-old Carlisle man, Lee McKnight.

To view the full story click here.

Two men jailed after police uncover large-scale cannabis factory

Two men have each been jailed for more than three years after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis factory packed with 1,300 plants in west Cumbria.

To view the full story click here.

Barrow County Lines Drug Dealer Jailed

A woman has been jailed for her involvement in supplying heroin and crack cocaine into Barrow-in-Furness.

To view the full story click here.