10% of calls to police in Aylesbury Vale are covid-related

Superintendent Mike Loebenberg told us that, on the whole, people here have stuck to the rules

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 26th Feb 2021

A big thank you has been sent out to people in Aylesbury Vale, who on the whole have followed lockdown rules.

It's from Superintendent Mike Loebenberg, who we have been speaking to as we look ahead to lockdown starting to ease.

He told us most people have been following the rules:

"It certainly has helped not only the policing effort, but also in reducing the transmission locally.

"So it is really important that people do continue to comply with the legislation that is in place, because ultimately it is about keeping our communities safe."

Around 10% of calls to the police here are covid-related

Mike said that this is a demand that they have to serve.

He added:

"Most of those calls are about people gathering, we also get information on facemask breaches and people who might not be complying with the legislation that they shouldn't leave home."

The Superintendent told us as there is a 'slow and methodical' unlocking ahead and he will expect his officers to still enforce rules when they are broken.

A thank you to police officers

Police have of course been on the front line throughout the pandemic and Mike says he is really proud of officers and staff here in Aylesbury Vale.

He said:

"We have had something like 65 changes in the law in the last 12 months.

"Every time that happens, officers have refamiliarised themselves with what has changed, they have adapted the processes they follow and absolutely made they are on the front-foot in order to keep our communities safe."

When will lockdown restrictions be lifted?

8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school

From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.

8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person

Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.

29 March: Stay at Home rule liften

From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.

29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors

From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.

29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open

Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.

29 March: Organised adult and children's sport

Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29

29 March: Weddings with 6 people

From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.

12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues

From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.

12 April: Beer gardens reopen

From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.

12 April: Gyms reopen

Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.

17 May: Indoor mixing

From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.

17 May: Possible foreign travel

Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.

17 May: Indoor hospitality

Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.

21 June: Nightclubs could reopen

From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.

21 June: Bigger weddings

Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.

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