Police issued over 100 fines for COVID regulation breaches this weekend
Local police issued 110 fines to people flouting lockdown rules this weekend - with offences ranging from flat parties to travelling dozens of miles for fast food.
Local police issued 110 fines to people flouting lockdown rules this weekend – with offences ranging from flat parties to travelling dozens of miles for fast food.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 16 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued to attendees of a house party on Peregrine Street in Hulme on Saturday (January 16).
On the same night, a further 27 fines were distributed at an address on Greengate in Salford, with officers also dispersing a crowd of over 40 people at a flat on Derby Street in Cheetham Hill.
Four FPNs were also issued to the passengers of a vehicle travelling from Preston to Bolton to collect a takeaway.
Since August, GMP have distributed over 2,600 fines for COVID breaches.
Chief Inspector Carol Martin of GMP’s COVID response team said the instances of “blatant disregard” for the rules were “incredibly frustrating.”
“Not only are they putting their own lives and those of their loves [sic] ones at stake, they also risk undoing the hard work of everyone else continuing to make the necessary sacrifices at this time,” said the CI.
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“We would like to reassure people that dedicated teams of officers are responding to reports of non-compliance and are continuing to follow the national lead by engaging with members of the public, explaining the law and encouraging compliance, but our officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action if people are found to be flouting the rules.”
A group of friends from Manchester were also fined £200 each over the weekend after driving to Staffordshire for a McDonald’s.
The occupants – who all reside at different addresses – were issued with individual penalties for travelling outside of their local area.
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Staffordshire Police confirmed they had stopped the vehicle of friends at the fast food restaurant on the A50 near Uttoxeter – roughly 68 miles from Manchester.
The force tweeted: “Group of friends from Manchester area not having legitimate reasons to be here other than going to McDonalds!”
Officers added: “Please stay at home unless necessary!”
Tonight a vehicle was stopped in #Uttoxeter@EStaffsPolice. Group of friends from Manchester area not having legitimate reasons to be here other than going to McDonalds!All 4 occupants from different address.£800 in fines issued to occupants. Please stay at home unless necessary!
National lockdown regulations state that people must not leave their homes unless they have a reasonable excuse to do so – such as for work or education purposes.
The government has also stated that anyone who needs to travel “should stay local” – which means avoiding travelling outside of their own village, town or the part of a city where they live.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
18th January 2021 
