Coronavirus: Hampshire police plead for no trouble during lockdown as MPs clarify rules for families and volunteer groups

Britons are now only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, exercise once a day, to give or receive care or to travel for work which cannot be done at home.

If these rules and a new ban on public gatherings of more than two people who live together are not followed police can dish out fines of unlimited sums.

In response to the measures, Hants Roads Policing said on Twitter: ‘Policing by consent underpins this country. Everyone needs to play their part.

‘We understand the strains are huge right now but observance of the current rules is vital to save lives. If we all can do this without police intervention that says SO much about the UK and society.’

The rules, which could soon see police allowed to arrest people who are thought to be ill but not self-isolating, has been welcomed by Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

‘Measures to ensure social distancing have so far not had the necessary effect,’ he said.

‘These new measures are sensible, based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease.

‘The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.

‘We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced.’

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt last night played a key role in the House of Commons as emergency legislation was laid out in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

It would grant more powers to ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners to help make speedier decisions on issues affected by the pandemic – including reducing the number of doctors required to sign off on sectioning those with mental health issues from two to one.

Under the Coronavirus Bill, set to be scrutinised today and tomorrow in the House of Lords, police would also receive the power to force those infected with Covid-19 to self-isolate.

Backing up roads officers’ plea, Ms Mordaunt told The News: ‘The principles behind all we have asked for is that the fewer people who are moving around, the more people at home, the fewer children in schools, the more lives we will save.

‘Think, is your journey necessary? If not, do not go.

‘I know this is strange and unnerving, but if we act together we will come through this. Please follow the chief medical officer’s advice.’

The National Crime Agency has warned criminals could be looking to exploit the coronavirus outbreak.

Cyber-crime investigators have seen instances of coronavirus-themed malicious apps and websites, as well as email phishing attacks aimed at stealing personal and financial information.

Steve Rodhouse, the agency’s director general of operations, said: ‘Our mission in leading the fight against serious and organized crime has never been more important, and our work continues.

‘We recognise the Covid-19 outbreak may provide opportunities for criminals, and we are monitoring intelligence and crime trends to ensure that we, and the whole law enforcement system, can react as needed.’

Meanwhile Ms Mordaunt has been among the MPs who have sought to clarify issues affected by new restrictions, including the movement of children between separated parents.

MP Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, tweeted on the issue: ‘To confirm – while children should not normally be moving between households, we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents. This is permissible and has been made clear in the guidance.’

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Ms Mordaunt also commented on concerns about what lockdown means for volunteers, particularly those who had been helping to collect essential items for at-risk groups.

She said: ‘People should receive advice from the organisations they are working for. But caring for someone or buying goods is permitted.

‘What you should always ask is, is this journey necessary. The more people who stay at home, the more lives will be saved. It is as simple as that.’