You can now sunbathe on Primrose Hill without being moved on

POLICE chiefs said yesterday (Wednesday) they had still not been told how to enforce new coronavirus lockdown rules as restrictions on movement were eased.

The government’s revised limits on outdoor exercise mean people in the same household can now travel to locations irrespective of distance, while activities such as sunbathing are allowed.

And meeting one other person from another household outdoors at two metres’ distance is also permitted, but gathering in larger groups is still banned.

Asked if officers are confused about the new rules, Superintendent Neil Holyoak, the Covid commander in Camden and Islington, said: “Understandably, if I sent officers out right now to something specifically related to Covid, there would probably be a bit of confusion about what they can or can’t do because we’re still waiting for guidance from the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council). It’s not just police, all of society is in the same boat.”

He added: “We won’t want to be giving tickets out until we understand the legislation. We’ve had no complaints made against us by the public for the way we’ve handled the lockdown so far, and we want to keep policing by consent and not undermine our relationship with the public.”

Officers have spent the past seven weeks facing the uphill battle of trying to move sunbathers and picnickers away from scenic spots such as Primrose Hill on warm days.

And at the Town Hall, councillors are concerned that the government’s new message “stay alert” – rather than “stay home” – could lead to crowding in parks and increase the risk of the coronavirus spreading into a second wave. Camden is keeping playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate parks closed amid concerns their use would lead to close contact.

Environment chief Councillor Adam Harrison said residents had put in “huge efforts” to avoid crowding that may have led to parks being closed earlier in the lockdown, but added: “I must stress, this is not party time in our parks. “We all have a responsibility to take extra care, to recognise we are trying to control this virus to protect the NHS and save lives.”

“I therefore urge all Camden residents to practise social distancing when out and about at all times and to show extra consideration for our park staff – taking any litter home with you and complying with the guidelines at all times.”

The City of London, which manages Hampstead Heath, and the Royal Parks whose sites include Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park, have signed a joint open letter asking visitors to be “alert and sensible” and warning that they might be asked to move on if areas get too busy.

“Try to stay local if you can,” the letter states. “If you do need to travel to enjoy open space then consider if it is absolutely necessary. “It could put unmanageable pressure on our car parks and public transport if sensible choices are not made.”

CNJ cartoonist John Sadler imagines a nurse’s walk to a shift at the Royal Free as restrictions are eased

The average number of fines given out by police for breaking the lockdown rules over the bank holiday weekend at the start of May was 30 a day in Camden. On most days the figure is much lower at between one and two, police said, and no fines have been issued since last Thursday.

Officers have been told to engage, explain and encourage people to go home. They have been urged not to issue fines or arrest anyone for Covid-related crime where possible until it is made clear what powers the police now have.

Camden and Islington borough commander Raj Kohli said: “The guidance is still clear in so much as you still can’t do certain things, and if we stop somebody and they are genuinely confused, then we will explain it to them. “But people seen deliberately breaking the rules, such as having house parties or meeting five or six friends in the park, will still be dealt with.”

He added: “Covid is still here and killing people and we will still need to do everything we can to keep the reproduction rate of the virus down while tackling crime. We still really depend on the public to be responsible for their own health as well as the health of others and we’ll still be engaging and only enforcing where necessary.”

After critics claimed the “stay alert” message was ambiguous, prime minister Boris Johnson insisted it was clear.

He said in an address to the nation he wanted people who could not work at home to start returning to jobs in construction and manufacturing.