Coronavirus: Social distancing ignored in Lincoln Road as football matches in Peterborough dispersed by police

The Peterborough Telegraph has highlighted several cases in the past few days of people not observing rules designed to keep people safe, including staying at least two metres apart from each other and not gathering in groups of more than two. But despite repeated warnings from politicians and health chiefs that social distancing is essential to slowing the rate of infections - and in turn saving people’s lives - the message does not appear to be getting through. The PT spotted several people this morning walking in a group or standing close to each other in Lincoln Road, Millfield, while police have also dispersed people playing football in Millfield and Netherton. Fines beginning at £30 for people who ignore the law can start being handed out by police from Thursday. A Cambridgeshire police spokeswoman said: “Whilst we are pleased to see many people adhering to the restrictions imposed by the Prime Minister on Monday evening, unfortunately there are still some who are ignoring the guidance. Our officers have been and will continue to be out and about, patrolling the district to proactively communicate with these people and stress the importance of following the new rules in order to reduce the risk of harm to others.”