Coronavirus: Hampshire police and crime commissioner will 'continue to serve' as government postpones elections

In an interview with The News shortly after the government decision was announced, Mr Lane warned people must adjust to a ‘new normal’ - and added he was ‘offended’ by people stealing antibacterial gels from public services.

Fears of the spread of Covid-19 have seen the government push back the May 7 polling day.

There have been 798 confirmed cases in Britain, with estimates running between 5,000-10,000.

Portsmouth City Council and all other local elections have been postponed. Police and crime commissioners were due to be elected on the same day.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner incumbent Mr Lane told The News: ‘I’m conscious that we are at a time when the government is dealing with a pandemic and as a result if they’re nationally delaying the election, I believe it’s my duty to continue to serve.’

He added: ‘It would be entirely wrong of me to walk away or cause a by-election or some other thing - I have the mandate from the public in 2016.

‘I have 49 years of public service, I would not walk away at a point when this country is facing a pandemic and needs people in post to do the very best they can. I would not

Mr Lane’s Conservative party in Hampshire had already de-selected him following him losing a Hampshire Police Federation no-confidence vote. Donna Jones, Portsmouth City Council Tory group leader, had been selected to stand in May.

Cllr Jones said she was ‘disappointed’ about the postponement but added: ‘I support the government in taking all steps necessary to keep the British public safe.’

She said she will work with Mr Lane and added: ‘This delay gives me extra time to get into the heart of communities across what is a large constabulary area, to fully understand the root causes of crime.’

Asked if he will appoint Cllr Jones as a deputy, Mr Lane said any such appointment if he needed a deputy next year would follow an ‘appropriate process’.

On the operational police response to Covid-19, Mr Lane said: ‘The policing family will be doing things that when they’ve got to manage the risk as all of us have to but they will need to be there to reassure the public and do their duty.’

He warned society needs to adjust to a ‘new normal’ and added it will pose a challenge just as climate change does. He added: ‘We will have to adjust to keep us safer.’

But he turned his ire on people stealing from public services. He said: ‘I’m offended every time I found people stealing gels from places or buying the gels disproportionately to create a shortage.

‘Those behaviours need to stop so we can all be supported by the logistics, by shops and health service to the best of their ability and we don’t compound the problem by foolishness and other stupidity.’

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS