Although the lockdown has appeared to have some success in recent weeks, there are still some people flouting the rules.
According to a poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies for the New Statesmen, the most common reason for breaking the lockdown rules are those visiting family members. However, since the lockdown on 23 March, the poll also suggested that most people are following the restrictions and compiling to help the national effort.
This poll comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to potentially announce a decision on whether to ease social distancing.
In light of the figures of people disobeying rules, the poll also showed voters want the lockdown to be extended past 7 May (around 59%). This is double that of people who want a partial relaxation of the restrictions.
Under 35s more likely to flout rules
The findings by Redfield and Wilton also highlighted that younger people were more likely to break lockdown rules. Some of the reasons given where the fact that the pressures of life ‘were not a one size fits all’ scenario. Plus, they found avoiding interactions with family whom they did not share a house with most difficult.
Excuses for breaking rules
There has been no shortage of excuses for disobeying the rules during the lockdown. Some police forces are dealing with a flurry of unexpected reasons why people are out and about.
In April, South Wales Police had received 1200 coronavirus related calls and some 300 fines issued over the same weekend across Wales.
One man drove from Port Talbot to Mumbles and said to officers, ‘it was a nice’ so decided to take a drive. After being redirected home by police, he was later caught in another beach car park and issued a fine
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Valentine said: “This remains an unprecedented national emergency in which we all have a part to play, and we are incredibly grateful to those who took their responsibility seriously and continued to stay home at the weekend.
It’s not just Wales experiencing visitors to their shores. Many other locations are experiencing similar excuses for travelling to beauty spots.
Dorset Police posted on Facebook that its officers had stopped “numerous vehicles” from entering the popular beauty spot of Lulworth.
“Their excuses for travelling did not fit into the government guidelines and have therefore been issued fines and sent back home,” the post said.
The advice to follow
Until the lockdown is eased, the government advice is, “Do not invite or allow social visitors, such as other friends and family, to enter your home.
“If you want to speak to someone who is not a member of your household, use the phone or social media.
“If you or a family member receive essential care in your home, then carers should continue to visit.”
If you are taking supplies to a family member, it is also crucial that you leave the items at their door to minimise exposure. So, unfortunately, popping round for a cuppa is out of the question at the moment.
