MEMBERS of the public have been flouting official government lockdown guidance and gathering in Glasgow's parks in groups.
On Monday, Boris Johnson said tougher restrictions on people’s movements during the coronavirus crisis would be enforced by police and warned those ignoring them would be fined.
Officers will have powers to disperse gatherings under a ban on meetings of more than two people apart from those who live together.
People flouting lockdown rules will be slapped with an initial £30 fine and could end up in court if they do not pay.
We’ve had reports that people are still gathering in groups within parks across the city. Can we please remind people to continue to follow @scotgov & NHS instructions? Please take this seriously.
— Glasgow City Council (@GlasgowCC) March 25, 2020
Do not gather in groups #StayHomeStaySafe
More info 👉 https://t.co/QMb0qNhPOP pic.twitter.com/RFV7Lrd3Xl
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Over 220 cases in Glasgow as Scotland hits 719 with 22 deaths
And while the majority of Glasgow have been taking heed to the new rules and staying at home - some have not.
Glasgow City Council has now urged everyone to "take this seriously" after reports of groups meeting in the city parks.
They posted online: "We’ve had reports that people are still gathering in groups within parks across the city.
"Can we please remind people to continue to follow Scottish Government and NHS instructions?
"Please take this seriously."
Council leader Susan Aitken shared the warning, adding: "AWAY HAME YA ROCKETS!*
"* (my version of one of those great shouty Italian mayors)
"Seriously though, don’t do this. #StayAtHomeSaveLives #StayHomeStaySafe".
The council closed all playparks on Monday in a bid to reduce the spread, which came after the closure of schools the previous Friday.
On Tuesday, Mr Johnson’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister issued a clear instruction on behalf of the Government on the actions the public are required to take to help prevent the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“As with existing laws, the overwhelming majority of the public can be expected to follow the rules without any need for enforcement action.
“We would expect that compliance to begin immediately.”
AWAY HAME YA ROCKETS!*
— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) March 25, 2020
* (my version of one of those great shouty Italian mayors)
Seriously though, don’t do this. #StayAtHomeSaveLives #StayHomeStaySafe https://t.co/nPPXDbUzy7
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The punishment would be a fixed penalty notice initially set at £30 but “we will keep this under review and can increase it significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance”.
“You would expect the police’s focus to be dispersal of groups,” the Prime Minister’s spokesman said.
Failure to pay a penalty notice could be subject to criminal proceedings and a conviction, he added.
Regulations will be made by Thursday at the latest to allow police to issue fines under the 1984 Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act for England and Wales.
The emergency legislation going through the House of Commons will provide equivalent powers to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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