North-east police issue 20 fines in week one under coronavirus law
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POLICE have issued 144 fixed penalty notices in Scotland – six of these after a north-east house party – in the first week of enforcing social distancing.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone thanked the public, however, for their "overwhelming support and co-operation" as the new regulations came into effect designed to save lives and protect the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.
Of the 144 fixed penalty notices issued across the whole country between March 27 and April 1, 20 were issued in the north-east.
During one incident in Aberdeen on March 31, six fixed penalty notices were issued following a report of a house party.
Officers are required to issue fixed penalty notices where individuals persistently flout the regulations or refuse to co-operate with requests to comply.
The chief constable said: "People recognise that it is their duty to adhere to these guidelines to protect their fellow citizens, ease the strain on the health service, and collectively save lives.
"Everyone must contribute to the national effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and I am grateful to the vast majority who have made significant changes to their daily habits and routines.
"I expect the high levels of co-operation to continue as awareness and understanding of the guidance increases. Stay indoors, stay safe, protect the NHS, and save lives.
"The Police Service of Scotland will continue to play its part, engaging with people, establishing their individual circumstances and explaining the risks to public health of failing to comply with guidance.
"Officers and the public must take a common-sense approach to this unique emergency.
"We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place."
The Coronavirus Act 2020 allows officers to enforce the testing of individuals with suspected coronavirus. It also allows for the closure of events, gatherings and premises.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 allow officers to close businesses and premises which flout the government’s guidance.
The regulations give officers the power to enforce social distancing among the wider public. Police can issue penalty notices of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days.
The regulations will be reviewed at least every 21 days to ensure they are still necessary.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "Everyone should be staying at home wherever possible and I am hugely encouraged by the high levels of compliance around the country after the first week of these rules being in force."
National clinical director Jason Leitch said: "I would remind everyone that if you do have to leave your house for any of the essential reasons – food, medicine, care, exercise or work, and you absolutely cannot do them at home – then please stay two metres away from people you don’t live with, and keep human contact as limited as possible."
