Northants Police urge people to stay home during weekend heatwave

Northamptonshire Police are urging people to stay at home this weekend despite the good weather forecasts.

Temperatures are set to hit the high teens this weekend and there are fears the good weather may tempt people to leave their homes.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: "We completely understand how frustrating it is to be asked to stay inside when the weather is nice but there is something much bigger at play here – saving lives.

"The stakes really are that high."

The government's lockdown guidance is designed to try and slow down the spread of COVID-19 to reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

If too many people require hospitalisation at once, it could overwhelm the NHS .

ACC Blatchly added: "We’re asking the public to consider whether their journeys this weekend are essential and we may have to ask people about their circumstances if they’re outdoors.

“No fines have been issued in Northamptonshire yet because we would much rather engage, explain and educate as opposed to enforce.

"We are proud to police by consent in this country – please help us continue to do that by staying inside and mitigating the spread of COVID-19."

Everyone is currently allowed one exercise a day outside of their home, but people have been asked to stay close to their home and not drive elsewhere to walk or run.

ACC Blatchly said: "Finally, I’d like to thank the majority of the public in this county who have been amazing in adhering to the regulations and staying inside – we do not underestimate how much of an ask it is and your support is so appreciated.

“When we get through this pandemic, and make no mistake, we will get through it, you can be proud that you were part of the solution by staying inside, helping your police force and protecting an NHS we are so lucky to have in this country.”

We all have a shared responsibility in adhering to these regulations - please apply your common sense. Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.