The pandemic has brought about a huge amount of change to both the personal and professional lives of everyone and it’s been a really tough 14 months.
Greater Manchester has over 6,000 listened premises and breaches have been few and far between, which has been down to the hard work and dedication of the owners, managers and staff.
Step four on the Government’s roadmap is due has begun and will bring with it a new normality where we still need to exercise caution.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued advice to make sure residents of the region can stay as safe as possible. They have said that if you are going out plan ahead and make sure that you have made arrangements about how you will return home.
Further advice includes drinking responsibly, being cautious when in close proximity to people you do not live with and to wear a face covering when moving around indoors, especially if there are large crowds and on the Metrolink where it will still be a condition of carriage.
GMP also stated that if you are asked to self isolate or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 then you are to do so and not go out.
Further advice included reading the guidance from the venue of any safety measures that are in place to protect you and others and venue queuing to be implemented outside the venue to avoid congestion where necessary.
Extra police resources will be out and about in our town centres to provide reassurance as we return to some normality.
Superintendent Chris Hill said, “This pandemic has been really tough for everyone and I understand the lifting of restrictions on Monday will bring a welcome relief to many. However, please remember others around you may not hold this same view. In-line with national guidance we are asking people to remain cautious and think of others around them as well as themselves.
There may be large numbers of people out over the first weekend post the lifting of regulations, so it’s advisable to be careful when mixing indoors with those who do not form part of your household. Be considerate of others and don’t drink to excess. Our officers will be there to oversee the reopening of venues but please do your bit to help us stay out of lockdown.
Finally thank you to everyone who has continued to help in getting us to this stage where we can start getting back to some sort of normality. We’re extremely grateful for your cooperation and hopefully you’ll be able to safely enjoy some time with friends and family.”
