Manchester police have shut down 660 parties during the pandemic

Greater Manchester Police have issued a warning reminding people not to break lockdown laws over the Easter weekend, after breaking up 660 parties during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "We understand the desire people will have to spend time with family and friends over the Easter period, however it is vital that we follow the government guidelines.

"The single most important action we can take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to save lives. Each and every one of us need take this seriously.”

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The gatherings police have shut down included 494 house parties and 166 street parties. A woman in Bury has also become the first person charged under the Coronavirus Act 2020 in Greater Manchester after repeatedly breaching the no gatherings rules.

Further breaches in figures released by the police have included 122 groups playing sports and 173 gatherings in parks.

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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said such behaviour was "completely unacceptable" and is “putting everybody at risk”.

He added: "If you are going out and about you are putting at risk the most vulnerable members of our community and you need to have a good hard look at yourself."

[Via: BBC]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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