Covid lockdown rule breakers could 'make pandemic longer'

geemong

A minority still breaking Covid lockdown rules could make the pandemic "stretch longer" in Wales, a senior police officer has warned.

The "gold commander" for policing lockdown across the Gwent force area said he wanted to thank the vast majority for sticking to the law.

But Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said those "blatantly flouting" rules would face enforcement action.

Nearly 3,800 fines have been issued in Wales for Covid rule breaches.

The latest figures released by UK police forces revealed nearly three-quarters of those fines went to men, and the largest group falling foul
of Covid rules were aged between 18 and 24.

Ch Supt Hobrough, who oversees Gwent Police's response to Covid-19, said he and his officers had seen a change in the way the public
responded to the restrictions since the first lockdown was announced in March 2020.

"When it first started there was certainly a lack of understanding among the public," he said.

"We were called for advice and questions on what was allowed or not allowed, which we've certainly seen diminish."

He said initially his force was dealing with breaches of regulations by pubs and bars, or people holding house parties.

"That has changed over time. We still have experiences of house parties and people congregating in houses, which just isn't allowed
obviously.

"But I think we are also seeing breaches in relation to people congregating in beauty spots and maybe not exercising in line with
the requirements."

You can follow the details here. : SLOT