Residents and visitors to the borough are being urged to stick to the COVID-19 safety rules this weekend and not undo all the hard work and sacrifices that have been made so far – the end is in sight!

With a dry weekend on the horizon, and the last few days before children return to the classroom, residents and visitors are reminded that the lockdown rules are still in place, and not to leave home unless for an essential reason and only to exercise with members of their own household, support bubble or one other person.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said:

"I know it's going to be incredibly tempting for many people to flex the rules this weekend. The sun will be shining, children will be going back to school on Monday, people are getting vaccinated, and they may well think 'it won't hurt, will it?' Well it could.

"We've all worked so hard and sacrificed so much to get the numbers down but if we all suddenly throw away the rule book we could see numbers begin to rocket just like we did when we let our guard down before Christmas. And people died as a result.

"I don't like to be a po-faced, finger wagging council leader, but we need to make sure we're sticking to the road map. The more we do that, the greater our chances of getting out of this by the summer.

"And if you do go out, please remember that your behaviour does impact on others. That means, don't gather in large groups at the playground, don't meet your friends at the riverside for a picnic, and don't ignore social distancing when queuing for a latte.

"It is important to note that the Council has not authorised any events to happen on our land – including in our parks. We will take a dim view of any group or organisation that encourages people to gather in public places unless for authorised activities. It is irresponsible and selfish and the Police will take action.

"I know that we are all bored and frustrated. But we must dig deep for this final push."

Inspector Rebecca Robinson from Richmond Police, added,

"I welcome the roadmap announcement by the Government. The hope of returning to normal should make us all redouble our efforts to fight this virus and avoid any delay to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

"Right now, the restrictions have not changed. London remains in a lockdown and we all have a duty to stick to the rules in order to prevent a further surge of the virus. This weekend, we will be working closely with Richmond Council, officers will be visible in parks and open spaces, talking with people and reminding them of the rules.

"Where people have clearly take wilful and dangerous steps to breach the rules, by gathering in large numbers – we will take enforcement action."

The Police and Council's Park Guard and COVID Marshals service will be out across the borough on the weekend to encourage, educate and remind people of the rules that are in place.