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60 adults attended a bonfire party on Saturday night – little more than 24 hours after the Government warned islanders not to break covid restrictions about mass gatherings.
Honorary officers from St. Saviour visited the fundraiser and the group was told to disperse without any further action taken.
Chef de Police Steven Laffoley-Edwards said that the adults were spaced out around a bonfire but there was clearly more than permitted under the guidelines, which state that 20 people are allowed to meet 'informally', while gatherings of up to 40 can be held if a risk assessment has been done and contact tracing measures are in place.
“When we arrived, they all seemed to be engaged in rapturous concentration around the fire rather than wilful disobedience but it is important that the rules are followed, otherwise we will be living with covid for a lot longer than we need to.”
Centenier Laffoley-Edwards added that parents also needed to be aware of where their children were going when they left the house.
Pictured: Parents should find out where their children are going when they leave the house, the Centenier advised.
“About 40 teenagers from across the island gathered by the café on St. Martin’s Village Green on Saturday evening. They caused some damage but their socialising together was also a problem. Again, they were dispersed but we won’t be afraid to take further action if the guidelines continue to be broken.
“We understand - it’s a Saturday night and they’re probably getting bored of the restrictions, but they are there for a reason. Parents need to make sure they know where their children are and tell them not to gather in large groups.
“It’s tough, I know, but if people don’t follow the advice then the number of cases is going to increase. It’s not necessarily those who attend these events that are concerning but those to whom they hand on this virus over the next few days. So, I urge everyone to play their part and follow the rules.
“As I said, we don’t want to prosecute, but we will if we have to."
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