There still remains plenty of confusion about what it and what is not permitted during the lockdown, and a document published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the professional standards body the College of Policing, looks to clear the muddy waters.
The Guardian highlights some interesting points about the document, in particular what activity is permitted in parks:
“Exercise must involve some movement, but it is acceptable for a person to stop for a break in exercise,” the guide says.
“However, a very short period of ‘exercise’ to excuse a long period of inactivity may mean that the person is not engaged in ‘exercise’ but in fact something else.”
The Guardian adds:
In terms of acquiring necessities, the guide confirms there is no need for all of a person’s shopping to be basic food supplies, adding “the purchase of snacks and luxuries is still permitted”.
The regulations specify maintenance and upkeep of properties, the document explains, but this does not extend to renovation and improvements.
So, buying tools and supplies to repair a fence panel damaged in recent bad weather would be reasonable, but buying paint and brushes simply to redecorate a kitchen would not.
The police document states that the list is not exhaustive, and officers are required to use “discretion and judgement” in deciding what is and is not reasonable.
We’ve reproduced it in full below:
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