COMMENT: Covid rule-breakers are the sorry lot

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness reiterates today that officers will take ‘tough enforcement’ measures against those defying Lockdown 2.

And so they should.

Huge sacrifices are being made by the many to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

What’s the point if a mindless minority consider themselves the exception and put people in danger?

We have already seen £10,000 fines handed out to people hosting birthday parties in clear breach of the guidelines in other parts of the UK.

Police chief McGuinness has admitted that officer face a balancing act when encouraging compliance, but those in clear breach of the rules and putting lives in danger must be dealt with severely.

She said: “When it comes to imposing the rules, our officers are keen to get the balance right, but I make no apology for tough enforcement being used when it comes to keeping the people of our region safe.

"Anyone responsible for holding parties or organising large gatherings are quite simply causing deliberate harm. The message is simple, save the parties for when this is all over – then we’ve really got something to celebrate.”

Here, here. We can all drink to that ... in company … when the time is right. Now is the time for caution and respect.