THE weather is set to bring warmer temperatures to Dorset this weekend but the message from police is very clear - holidays are cancelled.

This weekend would have been the start of the Easter holidays, but the coronavirus pandemic means people must stay at home.

Government guidelines are still in place ordering people to stay home unless they are shopping for essential items like food, helping an elderly or vulnerable person, collecting medicine or travelling to and from work where it is absolute necessary. They are encouraged to take one form of daily exercise as well.

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan has said a ‘big thank you’ to the people of Dorset, most of whom have been compliant with the rules, and is encouraging people to keep it up and not be tempted to travel around the county this weekend.

He said the vast majority of people spoken to by officers since the new rules were introduced had valid reasons to be out, and only a ‘tiny proportion’ of those given advice have continued to ignore it.

He said most people were happy to engage with police and understood why they were being told to go home.

So far, just two fixed penalty notices have been issued to those who’ve repeatedly ignored the rules.

Mr Vaughan said: “It’s been going really well and a big thank you to the public in Dorset who are doing the right thing being broadly compliant with difficult regulations on their freedom. A big shout out to the community for its support.”

Emergency public health regulations were passed last month, strengthening police enforcement powers in England in a bid to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives. Officers do have the power to fine those who flout the rules, but Mr Vaughan says the force is not being overzealous.

“We are not fining people very often,” he said. “We don’t want to criminalise the public during a medical crisis but for those who just won’t listen, we will enforce when necessary. We want just as good a relationship with the public at the end of this crisis as we did at the start.”

Mr Vaughan said those who live near the beach can include it during their daily exercise, but people shouldn’t get into their cars and drive there. He also addressed those who don’t live in the area, saying: “Holidays are cancelled. All pubs, bars and restaurants are closed. Please don’t travel to Dorset, it’s not fair on everyone else.”

Dorset Police has joined other public sector organisations in Dorset which have come together to reinforce the message to stay at home.

Dr Karen Kirkham, Integrated Care System clinical lead and assistant clinical chairman of NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I’m a GP in Dorset. I have a message for you from all the medical staff working around the clock to try and help you, and their message is clear. More than ever before, just please stay at home.

“Social distancing is the one thing that will help us reduce the risk of transmission of this virus. It’s incredibly important that you do this to help us, as we go into work on a daily basis.

“Please heed the advice. Please stay at home.”