South Yorkshire Police received over 1,400 reports of people breaking rules in second lockdown

Between Tuesday, January 5 and Sunday, January 17, South Yorkshire Police received 1,417 of reports of suspected breaches of Covid-19 regulations and issued 127 Fixed Penalty Notices.

A total of 92 of the fines were for indoor gatherings, with organisers of such parties at risk of £10,000 fines.

A number of those £10,000 fines were issued for gatherings over the Halloween weekend last October.

Prior to the third lockdown, 673 Covid fines had been issued in South Yorkshire since regulations came into force last March in a bid to try to halt the spread of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged the country into a third national lockdown on January 5.

Under strict rules, people must not leave home unless necessary.

Leaving home is allowed for shopping for basic necessities, going to work, providing voluntary or charitable services and to exercise.

Exercise should be limited to once per day for households, or individuals can meet one other person but must stay two metres apart.

People can meet those within a support or childcare bubble where they are legally permitted to form one.

Medical assistance can also be sought and children can attend school or childcare settings where permitted.

Lockdown legislation has been approved to last until March 31 but is under continual review.

Breaches of Covid regulations can be reported to South Yorkshire Police by visiting the force’s website and completing an online form.