Northamptonshire Police chief pleads with county to obey coronavirus lockdown

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable says his officers are ready to make people stick to the coronavirus lockdown — but hopes they will not need to.

And Nick Adderley pleaded with the county's public not to swamp 999 and 111 switchboards with calls asking on what they can and cannot do during the three-week confinement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night told the nation he will order police to enforce a strict ban on gatherings of more than two people and limits on people going out.

Mr Adderley said: "I want reassure all the county's residents that Northamptonshire Police is ready to support the measures in order to save lives but we hope the vast majority of the public will support us and abide by the instructions given in the Prime Minister's announcement.

"We are here for you, working for you and doing all we can to help save the lives of the many who will be affected by this disease. We can and will beat this but everyone must play their part.

"Senior leaders here at Northamptonshire Police have plans in place to ensure all emergency response calls are responded to and I want to reassure the public that we have this covered. Meetings are taking place daily to check,test and implement the plans we have as the situation changes

"But please do not cripple our phone lines with enquiries as to what you can and cannot do during the conditions imposed by the Prime Minister this evening. Visit the the Government website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus but if in any doubt, stay indoors and stay away from loved ones.

"As soon as we have further clarity on permitted movements, we will upload a specific page on our website. Remember, whilst this is all going on, Northamptonshire Police still has to deal with 999’s and other urgent calls so please keep our lines free for those in genuine need."

Mr Johnson ramped up Britain’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, telling people they would only be allowed outside to buy food or medication, exercise alone once a day, or to travel to work if absolutely necessary.

From today, shopping is only permitted for essentials like food and medicine. all shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic stores, are ordered to close.

Libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship will all be closed. All social events, including weddings and baptisms are banned. Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.

The restrictions will be “under constant review” during the next three weeks and will be relaxed “if the evidence shows we are able to.”

The measures came on the day the number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire jumped to 29. The rise of eight is the biggest in a single day since the first case was reported on March 3.