Buying a bag of crisps and getting drunk outside church - Rugby Police catch people ignoring Covid-19 guidance

Police caught several people using 'unbelievable' excuses while breaching the lifesaving social distancing guidelines in Rugby town centre yesterday, March 24.

Earlier that same afternoon Rugby Police said they were heading to the town centre following reports of people breaching social distancing measures.

In the first hours of the patrols, 4 persons drinking alcohol and socialising on Regents Street dispersed and advised on current Govt message on social distancing.

They found the area largely deserted, prompting them to thank Rugbeians for their cooperation.

But they later found some people were still found ignoring the measures - which health experts say, if followed, will likely save thousands of lives and protect the NHS.

Among the people caught was someone who believed that a trip out to buy a single bag of crisps was a worthwhile excuse to risk the safety of themselves and others.

Officers also dispersed a group which had gathered to drink by St Andrew's church.

One member of the public on social media implied that the group might be made of homeless people - police clarified this was not the case.

A spokesperson for Rugby Police said: "The government has been very clear about what we need to do in order to protect vulnerable lives during these difficult times.

"It's clear to see that people are not listening to this advice which only puts themselves and others at risk.

"Going out to get a single bag of crisps is not an essential shopping trip.

"We've had some unbelievable excuses this afternoon so please just follow the advice.

"The more people that don't follow the restrictions means this horrible situation will go on for longer and more lives will be lost."

Yesterday Rugby Borough Council said their community wardens are to begin to patrol Rugby's parks to ensure that the social distancing measures are observed.