26 March 2020
The new powers are so the police can enforce government instructions to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.
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"The government has today (26 March 2020) made new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers in England, to reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.
To ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel, from today, if members of the public do not comply the police may:
Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.
If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary."
Police given new powers and support to respond to coronavirus (gov.uk)
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