Derby City Council and Derbyshire Police have highlighted significant growth in COVID breaches as restrictions begin to lift and are urging citizens to keep following the rules.

The Prime Minister recently announced the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of the lockdown, including the reopening of schools yesterday (8 March). While restrictions are still in place for most social situations, Derbyshire Police have reported a rise in gatherings between different households, both in public and in private spaces.

Currently, we should not be mixing with other households indoors. We can spend time in outdoor public spaces for recreation on our own, with our household or support bubble, or with one other person. You can read full details of COVID guidelines and restrictions currently in place on the Government website.

The Government has been clear that steps to unlock the lockdown will not go ahead if certain criteria are not met – many of which depend on adherence to restrictions.

The four conditions that must be met at each phase of lockdown easing are:

  • The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
  • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
  • New variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

If COVID breaches lead to a sharp rise in infection rates, the Government will not continue with lifting the lockdown.

Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health, Derby City Council, said:

While we know how frustrating severe restrictions are, we need to remember that our actions now could be the difference between us coming out of lockdown this summer and us not.

We can only safely begin to lift restrictions if infection rates remain low, and every single breach of COVID guidelines creates extra risk of transmission.

Aside from making severe restrictions necessary for longer, COVID breaches also put ourselves, our loved ones and those most vulnerable at greater risk.

Superintendent Sarah McAughtrie, part of the command team for policing Derby, said:

As the weather warms it is only natural that people will want to spend more time outside.

In Derby we are lucky to have some fantastic parks as well many great places to visit just outside the city and there is a clear temptation for people to gather in groups.

However, while infection rates are moving in the right direction, we are in a critical position as we begin to move back to normal life. Each of the steps outlined by the Government are based on infection rates continuing to drop and should people gather in groups, which we have seen over recent weekends, then they are putting that reopening in jeopardy.

I know we are all anxious to see friends and family after these long months in lockdown but we must all do our part to help ensure the safe easing of restrictions.

In Derby, the Community Hub is here to assist all those in need during the pandemic but will prioritise those who have no family, friends, or neighbours to support them.

You can find out more about the Derby Community Hub, the support it provides and how you can help on the Council website Those who need support can call Derby Direct on 01332 640000. A text service is also available for Deaf people on 0777 4333412.

The line will open between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. There’s also a dedicated email at covidsupport@communityactionderby.org.uk.

Should there be any emergency care needs due to COVID-19, please call the emergency OOH Careline number on 01332 956606.

Read more COVID-19 guidance on the Council website.