The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Metropolitan Commissioner, Cressida Dick, London Councils and the NHS have today issued a joint call for Londoners to follow the rules and stay at home this Easter weekend to protect the NHS and save lives.
The majority of Londoners have been following Government instructions and staying at home, but as we approach the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, it is vital that all Londoners continue to keep to the rules and only leave the house if it’s absolutely necessary to do so.
The restrictions put in place by the Government are to prevent the spread of the disease and to save lives. Londoners are being urged by the Mayor, the Met Commissioner and the NHS, not to leave their homes this Easter weekend unless it’s for shopping for essential items, taking one form of exercise, providing care for a vulnerable person or for your own safety.
Unfortunately, there were a small number of cases last weekend where people were clearly sunbathing and congregating in groups. The Met Police were out at parks across London, speaking to Londoners and urging them to follow the rules and will be doing so again this weekend.
Parks are a lifeline for many Londoners without outdoor space and we all want parks and green spaces to stay open for people to take exercise. But that will only be possible if everyone follows the rules.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We have all been forced to make personal sacrifices in a way that would have been scarcely believable just a month ago. I want to thank the vast majority of Londoners who have followed the rules and stayed at home. My message to Londoners this Easter weekend is a simple one: The only way to show your loved ones and our NHS that you care is to stay at home and not leave the house unless it’s absolutely necessary to do so.
“That means only using parks for essential exercise – not as places to sunbathe, picnic or meet up with friends or family. We all know the value of parks and open spaces – nobody wants to see them closed, so it’s up to us all to play our part and follow the instructions throughout the weekend. Failing to do so will put extra pressure on the NHS and result in more deaths.”
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Cressida Dick, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who have been complying with the rules and the restrictions which are designed to stop the spread of Coronavirus. By doing so they have been protecting themselves, their families and the NHS.
“My message to Londoners ahead of the Easter weekend when we are expected to have warm weather is to please continue to follow the rules.
“The Met will be out on the streets this weekend as they have been every day, in parks and open spaces – you should not be, you should be at home unless you are exercising or having to work or going shopping.
“I understand that the new restrictions may be difficult for some members of the public to get used to but it’s very, very important that we all adhere to them. The tradition of the Met is always to start by advising people and explaining and that’s what we’ll continue to do. My officers will engage and explain and if necessary, they will move people on and if we have to, we will be very firm and as a last resort may use enforcement.”
Dr Vin Diwakar, Medical Director for the NHS in London said: “We face unprecedented challenges in the fight against coronavirus and the NHS is fighting tirelessly to save the lives of Londoners and provide the healthcare that people need. Sadly, the number of people who have died in London hospitals is more than 2,000 and this is expected to increase until the rate of infection peaks.
“The best way we can all work together to beat this virus is to follow the Government guidelines and stay at home.
“We understand how difficult this is, but we can work together and come through this if we stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Cllr Peter John, Chair of London Councils, said: “Boroughs want to keep London’s parks open because they’re incredibly important for the many Londoners without a garden, but preventing the spread of the virus has to be our priority.
“It’s crucial Londoners stay at home and only go outside where absolutely necessary. Councils are clear that Londoners who use parks and other open spaces for their daily exercise must stay as local as possible, avoid gathering in groups, and keep at least two metres apart. Parks can only be used once a day for walking, running, or cycling.
“We all need to follow these rules to protect public health, to support the NHS, and to save lives.”