Residents of England will be given more freedoms on Monday, when the next stage of the planned Covid-19 unlock means outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people (the Rule of six) or two households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.
Although advice remains to stay local the roadmap will lead to more travel around Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, especially after Step Two, which will not happen before April 12.
Then non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; public buildings, including libraries and community centres; and some holiday accommodation will be able to open.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has pulled together the following useful information for residents and visitors to help reduce community tension and keep people safe as restrictions ease.
- The Gov.uk website has the latest Government guidance on what is allowed and what is not. It is worth checking regularly in case of change.
- Last summer saw complaints from communities in rural areas where unlawful camping and setting of fires had taken place. Please act responsibly to minimise your impact on the local environment when out and about by observing the Countryside Code’s straightforward advice.
- Devon and Cornwall boast some of the finest beaches in the world, but tragically the Royal Life Saving Society reported last June of a 30% rise in drownings in Devon on the previous 12 months. If you are fortunate enough to be able to visit a beach or waterway while complying with the rules acquaint yourself with the RNLI’s Beach Safety Advice.
- If unlock goes to plan the area’s two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, are likely to see rises in visits from locals and visitors after Stage Two of the roadmap. Both parks regularly update their information for visitors and it is worth checking the latest advice. For Dartmoor click here and for Exmoor it’s here.
- The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in cycling and changes to driving habits. Why not refresh your knowledge of the Highway Code before taking to the road?.
- Police have extra resources to deal with breaches of Covid legislation. If you need them in an emergency dial 999. If you need to contact them in a non emergency you can chat online or report via the website here. If you cannot use the web services call 101 in a non emergency. Devon and Cornwall Police also has a regularly updated Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions section on its website that can answer many of your queries about rules and regulations. It can be found here: https://bit.ly/3rrVifh
- Victims of any crime, whether they have reported an incident to police or not, can receive 24/7 advice and support from Victim Support online at www.victimsupport.org.uk or by calling 08 08 16 89 111. Practical and emotional support is also available from the Devon and Cornwall Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
If you have a suggestion for this page or need to get in touch with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for any other reason please email opcc@dc-pcc.gov.uk or call 01392 225555.