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People participate in a ‘We do not consent’ rally in Trafalgar Square, organized by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in London on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo / Frank Augstein)
LONDON – Thousands of people gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest against closures and social distancing rules imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The London Metropolitan Police warned protesters to follow social distancing rules. Police said before the event that officers will first engage with people and explain social distancing rules to them, but can take enforcement action if protesters still don’t comply. When the protest began, police were visible at the edges of the crowd, but did not confront the protesters, most of whom were not wearing masks.
“I know there is great frustration with these regulations, but they have been designed to keep everyone safe from what is a deadly virus,” said the Commander. Ade Adelekan said. “By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and that of your loved ones at risk.”
The rally comes as Parliament prepares to review COVID-19 legislation and the government imposes new restrictions to control the disease. Some lawmakers have criticized the government for implementing the rules without parliamentary approval.
Earlier this week, the government ordered a 10 p.m. curfew in bars and restaurants across the country, along with stricter mask requirements and increased fines for non-compliance. It has also banned most social gatherings of more than six people, but there is an exemption for protests as long as the organizers submit a risk assessment and comply with social distancing.
The demonstration comes a week after a similar event during which thousands of people crowded the iconic square. Police say several officers were injured during that event when a “small minority” of protesters turned violent.
Britain has the worst death toll from the pandemic in Europe, with nearly 42,000 confirmed deaths linked to COVID-19. New infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have risen sharply in recent weeks.
In addition to the COVID-19 rules at the national level, several jurisdictions have imposed stricter restrictions to control local spikes in the disease. By Monday, a quarter of the UK’s 65 million people will be living under these increasing restrictions.
London, home to nearly 9 million people, was added to the British government’s COVID-19 watch list on Friday as an “area of concern.” That means the UK capital could face new restrictions as well, if infections continue to rise in the city.
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