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Police Urge Public To Think About How They Contact Them And Not Call With Coronavirus Questions

Police Urge Public To Think About How They Contact Them And Not Call With Coronavirus Questions

Earlier this week, Boris Johnson placed the UK on a three-week lockdown, giving police more power to ensure the new measures are being met

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Police have said they've been inundated with calls about coronavirus and breaches of measures imposed by the government, urging people to think carefully about which service they are contacting.

While some forces may differ with the specifics, the general message appears to be that people should just consider whether the number they're calling is the correct one.

West Midlands Chief Constable Dave Thompson said the force is 'already receiving many calls on potential breaches of these arrangements'.

He advised that the public could phone 101 with information about large-scale breaches.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police has asked people not to call either 999 or 101 with coronavirus-related queries.

In a tweet, the force said: "Our contact handlers have been inundated with questions about Covid-19.

"Please keep our 101 and 999 lines clear for people who need them."

It also noted that people can report crime and concerns online.

If you're confused (which is perhaps understandable), advice on the official government website lists out several alternatives to calling 999, including dialling 101 or contacting your local police force directly.

"Call 101 to report crimes that are not an emergency," the website states.

"You can also call 101 to give information to the police or make an enquiry.

"You can search by postcode to find and contact your local neighbourhood policing team.

"There's a different way to find your local policing team in Scotland."

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the UK on a three-week lockdown, giving police more power to ensure the new measures are being met by the general public.

People are now only allowed out to shop, to exercise once a day, for any medical need, to help vulnerable, or to travel to and from work.

Meetings of more than two people are banned, and you should not have visitors to your home or meet family and friends.

The PM said measures would be revisited in three weeks and the outbreak was being kept under 'constant review'.

He said: "That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home. You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say 'no'.

"You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.

"You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine - and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can."

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Police, UK News, News, Coronavirus