Kent police officers will continue to keep the public safe as the country prepares for second lockdown

2 November 2020

Kent Police Federation says officers will continue to ‘keep the public safe’ as the country prepares to enter another COVID-busting lockdown.

Pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will be closing for at least a month while unnecessary travel in and out of local areas should be avoided the Government has said.

The general rule of thumb is to stay at home.

The full set of regulations are due to be ratified by Parliament this week, but lockdown two is expected to come into force from 5^th November.

Kent Police Federation Chairman Neil Mennie said the decision to go into another lockdown might help to simplify what have been confusing guidelines for the public to follow.

And he has some reassuring words for the Kent public.

“In some ways, this represents a simplification of the rules, and hopefully with the mostly sensible and good people of Kent we can reduce the number of people falling ill and potentially at risk of losing their life,” he said.

“As we enter this further period of lockdown, our colleagues will continue to undertake policing in all its many and diverse areas whilst trying to keep themselves and the public safe from this awful pandemic.

“Our emergency service colleagues and those in other essential roles will be ensuring that the very fabric of our society continues to function and ensure those who need help will receive it.”

Neil also urged Federation members to do what they have to do to keep themselves and their families safe.

“Our enemy now is a risk of complacency and fatigue in this seemingly never-ending period of restrictions.

“Policing is a high-pressure environment, and COVID is an additional challenge that will no doubt remain for some time with varying restrictions,” he said.

“Going forward once the lockdown is concluded the confusion that we have seen around legislation and guidance must stop.

“Every case of infection amongst our members will have a serious impact on both them their families and work colleagues, and it’s so vital we stay safe.’