Bedfordshire residents urged to stay safe during VE Day celebrations

A number of initiatives are taking place across the country to allow people to mark this special occasion in a safe way which conforms to government Covid-19 regulations, such as by attending virtual events online, holding celebrations with those in your household, and supporting via social media.

Throughout the weekend, Bedfordshire Police will continue to hold dedicated patrols to educate, explain and encourage the public to adopt the guidance, with an option to enforce by way of a fixed penalty notice if the advice is not followed.

Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway said: “I know just how frustrating it will be for veterans and their families and those communities who had hoped to hold street parties this weekend that the lockdown means these cannot now take place.

"We’ve just passed a terrible milestone of 30,000 deaths from coronavirus and I don’t believe any of us fails to understand that, if we don’t keep two metres apart and avoid people outside our own households right now, more lives will be lost needlessly.

"It’s a bitter irony that this weekend’s celebrations - that were designed to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Second World War - would have led to more lives being lost.”

Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “This landmark anniversary of VE Day is a time in which we would normally see all of the public celebrating, however, the lockdown of the past weeks has shown us how well we can still come together as a community without risking the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

"I would urge people to keep going in what we know are difficult times, and continue to observe the government’s latest coronavirus regulations in order to keep themselves, and others, safe.

“We do have the power to fine those who flout the rules and will be harder on those repeat offenders.

"That said, by and large we have been encouraged by the actions of most Bedfordshire residents in keeping safe. I thank you for helping to save lives and protect the NHS, and am confident that the overwhelming majority will continue to do so this weekend.

“To report breaches of Covid-19 restrictions, please don’t post on social media or call police. Our online reporting tool has a dedicated section and is constantly monitored.

"Reporting this way will help us to maintain our 101 and 999 services so we can continue to prioritise emergency calls to those most at risk of harm.”

GP practices and pharmacies across Bedfordshire continue to provide services over the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

More information will be available at your local surgery or pharmacy, or at www.bedfordshireccg.nhs.uk/home.

If you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have coronavirus symptoms, don’t go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. Instead, use the NHS 111 online service www.111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19 to check your symptoms and get advice about what to do next.