From a police perspective: The latest news and priorities for South Yorkshire Police

District Commander for Doncaster, Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley, reflects on 100 days of Covid restrictions and the relaxing of lockdown which allowed pubs and restaurants to reopen.

When I look back over the last few months I feel an enormous sense of pride at how the local community has responded to what has been asked of them as we worked to contain Covid-19.

My officers have been deeply touched by the support that has been shown to them by those who live and work across the borough and join me in saying ‘thank you’ for all you have done. Because of your commitment to staying home and keeping the NHS safe, on Saturday 4 July we saw a relaxing of some of the coronavirus restrictions. Pubs and restaurants could open for the first time since the end of March.

In the build-up to the 4 July we worked in partnership with Doncaster Council to ensure that licensees who were planning to open had the correct policies and procedures in place to protect their customers and staff, and ensure that everyone was able to enjoy a drink or meal out with friends and family safely.

I was really pleased to see most people behave responsibly, observe social distancing and comply with the measures that individual bars and restaurants had put in place. On the whole, venues were extremely well prepared to welcome the public back, and it was great to see places starting to trade again.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that Covid-19 has by no means gone away. As more venues reopen, and more people have the confidence to go out, please continue to follow the guidelines put in place; they are there to protect you and those around you.

You can expect to see a much higher police presence in Doncaster over the next few weekends, but we are there to support you. Please continue to behave responsibly, look after yourselves and look after each other.

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