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Coronavirus (COVID-19): the policing response and what you need to know

In March 2020, Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum (LRF) declared a major incident to help with the multi-agency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2021, a decision was taken to stand down major incident status as steps are taken towards recovery. Read the full statement from the LRF chair, ACC Nikki Watson.

View the latest on:

Policing services

We will update this page with further changes but the current situation is:

  • Emergency and high priority calls: You will see no changes to the way we respond to emergency and high priority calls. These are a critical function we will maintain to protect the public. We would encourage people to report non-urgent incidents online instead of calling 101.
  • COVID-19 guidance: From 19 July, England moved to Step 4 in the roadmap out of lockdown. The majority of COVID regulations have been lifted, however we must continue to act carefully and remain cautious. It remains a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test & Trace.
  • Enquiry Offices: All of our Enquiry Offices have now re-opened. Before visiting them, please check the individual station’s page for up to date opening hours on our police station webpages. In line with the government’s guidance regarding COVID-19, do not leave home or attend a Police Station if you or someone you live with has any of the following:
    • a high temperature
    • a new, continuous cough
    • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
  • Neighbourhood Policing teams: Neighbourhood Policing teams will still be patrolling your area and are available to be contacted as normal. Some public engagement events and surgeries are now taking place. Find your local Neighbourhood Policing team.
  • Protecting our officers and staff: We are putting all measures in place to protect our officers and staff, including encouraging home working where possible, moving face-to-face meetings to Microsoft Teams and providing regular guidance from Public Health England and the Government. A discussion board has been set up for issues and concerns relating to the coronavirus.
  • Ride Along Scheme: Our Ride Along Scheme has been temporarily suspended and all applicants have been written to. We will update our Ride Along webpages once the Scheme is back up and running.

Keeping communities safe

Staying up to date

Government advice

  • England moved to Step 4 on Monday 19 July 2021, when national COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The Government advises everyone to act carefully and remain cautious. They also recommend people take regular tests, have both vaccine doses and wear face coverings in crowded places and on public transport.
  • From 17 May 2021, the rules for entering England change depending on where you have travelled from outside the UK. Check the latest guidance on international travel.
  • We are following national guidance set by the College of Policing to ensure we are using powers consistency.

Health advice

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