Avon and Somerset Police is urging anyone tempted to defy social distancing rules over Easter to remember the thousands of lives coronavirus has already claimed. 

Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Crew said officers will remain highly visible to explain why the lockdown is in place – and hand out fines where they need to. 

And Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “We want to look back at this time and think we did our best. We can’t be complacent.

“We’re coming into Easter. It would be easy to think it doesn’t matter if you go out. It does matter. We would waste everything we’ve worked so hard on.” 

The force has fined 60 people so far, with every case reviewed by a chief inspector to ensure it was fair. 

In a Facebook Live video with Ms Mountstevens, Ms Crew asked everyone to take responsibility and think of the number of deaths – 7,172 yesterday (Thursday).

Ms Crew said people might find it can be tempting to break the rules, but she warned: “We have some very robust powers – stop and search and use of force. We’re used to being able to use them in the right way.

“We work with communities to explain our powers. We have body-worn cameras so there’s transparency … a chief inspector reviews the footage of every one.”

The police external scrutiny panel was also checking fairness.

Ms Mountstevens said many people remain confused about what “essential travel” means. 

Ms Crew said: “Everyone should stay at home unless it’s essential to go out. Looking after vulnerable people is one of the reasons why you can go out. 

“We should stay at home and work from home where we can. There are some professions where it’s not possible, like gardeners, therefore travel is OK.”

Ms Crew said the guidance around social distancing must be applied in the workplace as well. 

“We will get through this, but we need to work together,” said Ms Mountstevens.

Facebook Live is a chance for the police to answer questions from the public. The next will be at 2.30pm on April 16. Questions can be sent to  [email protected].