People in England who see their neighbors violate the new “rule of six” are encouraged to contact the police by the government.
Social gatherings of more than six people are now Illegal in England from today.
People face fines of up to £ 3,200 if they fail to comply with the new measure, which is designed to curb an increase in Covid-19 cases.
A total of 3,330 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in the UK on Sunday – the first time since May that cases had exceeded 3,000 in three consecutive days.
With the new law going into effect, Police Secretary Kate Malthouse said that concerned neighbors should call the non-emergency police phone number to report restraint violations.
“We are in discussions about reporting mechanisms that might be in place, but it is clear that there is a non-emergency number that people can call and report problems they want,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
“Certainly during the first phase of the lockdown, we saw an increase in those reports reaching the police.
“If people are concerned, if they think there is a violation, then this option is open to them.”
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After insisting whether this would include reporting a gathering of seven or more people in a neighbor’s garden, Mr. Malthouse said, “It’s open for neighbors to do exactly that with the non-emergency number and if they’re worried and see that kind of thing, then they definitely should think. in the matter “.
In response to a question to clarify whether residents should be concerned about local violations of the law in neighboring properties and report them to the police, he replied, “Yes.”
The regulations enabling law enforcement were published late Sunday night, about 30 minutes before they went into effect.
Interior Minister Priti Patel said the new law was “easier to understand and easier for the police to implement.”
Writing in The Sun, Patel said police “will be able to disperse gatherings of more than six people and fine the individuals involved in £ 100, up to a maximum of £ 3,200 for repeat offenders.”
“They will continue to levy fines of £ 10,000 on people hosting rave parties or other large illegal events.”
“I know that as part of our national effort, the law-abiding majority will adhere to these new rules.
“But there will be a small minority that does not have and the police have the necessary powers to take action against them.
“This disease is fatal and that is why it is right for the police to enforce where people break the rules.”
Downing Street suggested that the police would not immediately begin imposing fines on people who violate the “rule of six” restrictions.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “What you expect is that the police will come out today to encourage people to follow the new rules, but in the coming days, if we see people continue to violate the new rules, it is true that people could face a fine.
“Regulations are in place to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and ultimately save lives.”
Asked whether people should report neighbors who violate the rules of the Coronavirus, the spokesperson said: “What we want people to focus on is following the new rules and making sure that they themselves are helping again as they did in the past to slow the spread of the virus.
“What I’ve seen in recent weeks is some blatant mockery of the rules, such as organizing large illegal parties, and members of the public have been calling the police about these because they are concerned about the risks to public health.”
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