Within the past two days Cleveland Police has issued eight fixed penalty notices.

Under the powers given to police, the force says no one will be allowed to leave their home "without reasonable excuse" and officers can ensure that people stay at home, avoid non-essential travel, police will be able to order people to go home, leave an area or disperse.

While the new powers mean officers can issues fixed penalties and make arrests, police in Cleveland continue to take an ‘educate and persuade’ approach using the new legislation as a last resort for non-compliance.

Community Safety Chief Inspector Scott Cowie today reiterated the message that people must adhere to the new regulations in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

Community Safety Chief Inspector Scott Cowie said: “Whilst we now have the powers to enforce protection in order to help save lives and protect our NHS, policing by consent is at the heart of our public service. We will continue to encourage and support our communities to comply with the restrictions, but it’s right that our officers are now able to enforce against those who disregard these measures and put others at risk.

“We are urging people to adhere to the government’s guidelines and not to make unnecessary journeys. Where people are going out to exercise, they should do this in the local vicinity of their home and not travel across the county.”

Anyone with any questions about this or any other Coronavirus related issue is directed to the Gov.uk website or to the new Gov.uk Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp.