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Additional officers are being deployed to the streets of Liverpool as strict coronavirus restrictions take effect, after local leaders said they would welcome the support of the armed forces.
Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Peter Costello confirmed that there will be “additional patrols” after tough Level 3 measures were introduced in the Liverpool city region on Wednesday.
He also criticized the “irresponsible minority” in Liverpool city center on Tuesday night after a crowd of about 100 people gathered – including some who threw drinks at a police car.
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A total of 29 COVID-19-Notifications of related flat fines were forcibly issued Tuesday night after receiving about 40 calls about violations of the restrictions.
Costello told Sky News that the crowd in Liverpool city center “was the extreme exuberance of an irresponsible minority.”
“Obviously, it is extremely disappointing to see so many people choose to openly disobey COVID rules and put themselves and other people at risk,” he said.
“The Liverpool city region is now at Level 3 and at a critical point, so it is vital that we work together to prevent the spread of the virus. “
Costello said the crowd in Liverpool city center dispersed when officers arrived, no arrests were made and no police vehicles were damaged.
In a joint statement issued prior to the entry into force of the Level 3 restrictions, Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, City Mayor Joe Anderson and the leaders of the six local authorities in the City region said that ” they welcome the opportunity to involve logistics and force capacity support, working alongside our own local authority personnel and public health officials. “
Costello declined to comment on whether the Merseyside Police would receive support from the military during the Level 3 restrictions.
He urged the public to “exercise a little common sense” when considering whether to contact law enforcement about violations of COVID-19 restrictions.
“For very serious infractions, I encourage the public to contact the police,” Costello said, before adding, “We have additional patrols on the streets.”
Merseyside police issued about 29 COVID-related flat fine notices Tuesday night.
Costello said serious infractions would include large parties at houses, gardens or residences, or large gatherings in parks.
Liverpool and the five neighboring districts that make up the city region are now subject to the strictest coronavirus restrictions in the country, including closing bars, non-food pubs, gyms, gambling shops and casinos.
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Residents are also prohibited from socializing with other households indoors and outdoors, even in private gardens.
Liverpool recorded 3,164 new COVID-19 cases in the seven days to October 10, the equivalent of 635.3 cases per 100,000 people. This compares to 555 in the seven days through October 3.
Liverpool has the third highest number of hospital admissions for COVID-19 patients in Europe, and more than 95% of the city’s intensive care beds are currently occupied.
