People exercising at the Victoria Embankment in The Meadows were generally keeping in step with the Government’s social distancing rules as observed during high-visibility Op Bion patrols this week.
These new patrols, consisting of neighbourhood teams supported by other specialist teams redeployed during the Coronavirus crisis, are aimed at engaging, explaining and encouraging people to stay at home during the deadly outbreak – to not only save their own lives but also other lives and to save the impact on the NHS.
The patrols are also there to encourage people who need to be out – whether for exercise, work or shopping for essentials – to stick to social distancing rules to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus.
One of the teams supporting the Op Bion patrols, the force’s The Knife Crime Team, was on patrol In The Meadows and Sneinton areas on Wednesday, engaging with members of the public, explaining the current restrictions and giving advice as required.
Police Sergeant Steve King, from the Knife Crime Team, said: “The Embankment area was busy with people but most were either exercising on their own or with family members while sticking to the social distancing measures.
“During the Op Bion patrols we’ve been supporting we’re generally finding that people are listening and adhering to the Government’s instructions and we thank them for doing so.
“Certainly when we’ve engaged with members to explain the restrictions and encouraged them to follow the rules they have listened to us and then gone on their way or returned home.”
Inspector James Walker, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for the City South area, added “I’d like to thank people who have been doing the right thing and complying with the Government’s rules as we continue to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic together.
“It’s pleasing to see that the vast majority of people our officers have spoken to have been really understanding and have listened to the advice we have given them.
“We are continuing our positive engagement with the public, explaining the legislation and encouraging people to follow it.
“We all need to contribute to the national effort to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak and reduce the spread of the disease by staying at home, saving the impact on the NHS and saving lives.
“Please continue to stay at home and adhere to the social distancing measures if you do have to go out, and do not be tempted to make unnecessary journeys.”
PHOTO: A scene at the Victoria Embankment in The Meadows on Wednesday.
