PSNI to step up patrols over weekend as senior officer says R rate has increased

The PSNI are to increase their patrols at resorts, beauty spots and bus and rail stations over the weekend amid warnings that the R rate has risen.

More people are getting out and about to enjoy the warm and sunny weather after lockdown restrictions were eased almost a fortnight ago.

However, a senior officer has warned that officers will disperse any crowds who gather in violation of the rules.

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Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said the R rate has risen after restrictions were eased.

The R reproduction rate is a key measure of how much Covid-19 is spreading.

At the Stormont daily press conference yesterday, First Minister Arlene Foster said there was continued concern about the R rate.

"Too many relaxations too quickly can push it back up into the territory that we do not want it to be in," she said.

Mr Todd said today that the rate has increased again.

"The latest data available shows that the ‘R-number’, which was flattening/falling, has actually increased again as restrictions have been eased," he said.

"This means that every one of us needs to make informed and sensible decisions about our conduct over the coming days to ensure that we are protecting our own health and the health of others.

"Over the weekend we will be increasing our patrols, particularly around beauty spots, resorts and transport hubs, focusing on the issues of crowds gathering in breach of Regulation 6 of the Health Protection Regulations, alcohol consumption in designated public places and road safety - particularly speeding and drink driving.

"We will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to make the right choices and we will enforce when necessary."

Mr Todd said people should not drive to beauty spots or resorts for their daily exercise because large crowds will make social distancing very difficult.

"The public should be well aware of the advice from our public health partners and the Government about social distancing and movement and, on that basis, we would encourage people not to drive to local beauty spots or popular destinations for their daily exercise as others may have the same idea and social distancing may not be achievable," he said.

"Each and every one of us has a personal responsibility to follow the NI Executive regulations and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19."