You are reminded that between 5th November and 2nd December:

  • You must stay at home
  • Only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work
  • You must work from home if you can
  • Avoid travel unless essential
  • Remember – wash your hands, cover your face and make space.

The police will continue to work closely with the two local authorities to ensure a joined up approach to engaging with our communities throughout lockdown, reminding people of their responsibilities and carrying out enforcement action when necessary.

 

Extra patrols will be taking place tonight to ensure that those who may want to have a final visit to their local pub or a last meal out with family members before the new restrictions come into place, do so safely and within the current guidelines.

 

Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police Kier Pritchard appealed to everyone to play their part.

He said: “I know that this second national lockdown is going to be difficult and will bring about many challenges for so many people.

“The Government has made it clear that significant intervention is needed if we are going to stop the spread of Covid-19 and save lives this winter.

“This lockdown will be tough for us all – including members of the emergency services and local authority staff, who will continue to work hard to keep you all safe during a time when they are very likely to have their own personal worries and challenges.

“But, it is clear that we must all work together. Our communities across Swindon and Wiltshire must come together, as we did during the first lockdown earlier this year, and support each other, support our neighbours, support our local businesses and support the most vulnerable.

“Once again, I appeal to you to please stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives this winter.”

 

Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Hospitals across the region were projected to run out of capacity in a matter of weeks which informed the Government’s decision to introduce new national restrictions.

 “Cases are rising quickly across the country, including in Swindon and Wiltshire. As we head into winter, when our resilience will be tested, we must be crystal clear about what’s at stake: protecting the health of ourselves, our loved ones and thousands of vulnerable and at-risk residents across our community.

 “It’s up to all of us to play our part to avoid overwhelming the NHS. That means living by the restrictions in place and continuing to follow the critical health prevention measures.

 “We will be working closely with our partners to ensure we provide as much support as we can to our communities and our vulnerable residents at this challenging time.”

 

Councillor Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This is a tough time for many but if we continue to look out for one another, just as we have done throughout this pandemic, then we’ll get through to the other side with many better days to look forward to.

“Telling our communities to stay at home as much as they can is not easy, particularly as so much has been asked of them already, but following the guidance is crucial and we urge everyone to do it.

“Together with our partners we will be here to provide support and ensure that those in our communities who need it are looked after and have what they need. From our vulnerable to our businesses – we’ll be here right by your side.”

We would encourage everyone to keep up to date with the restrictions by visiting www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

There is also information available on the Wiltshire Police website and you can see Wiltshire Council’s dedicated page here and Swindon Borough Council’s page here.