We Are Not The Shopping Police

Wed, 15 Apr 2020

The Manx Police have responded to claims they were telling people where they can and can't shop.

People on social media had alleged they were turned around on the way from Ramsey to Tesco and others say they rang the Covid Information line to ask and have been told they can’t travel from port Erin to M&S or Tesco.

Police have now issued a statement on their stance. You can read it below:

Police:-

How far is too far?

The examples are based on real jobs.

First of all can we say that we know most people are doing their best. They understand the seriousness of the situation and are following the rules.

We should always look at these matters with a common sense approach but the law has to be followed and remember it is there to save lives and protect the health service.

Exercise

Exercise at home or from home. If that is not possible then go to the nearest safest location.

• Example 1:- A couple of people have spoken to us with children with conditions that mean they get upset by noise or people. Of course it makes sense for them to go to a quieter area.
• Example 2 :- Driving from Douglas to Peel to walk your dog. That is not a necessary journey.

Shopping trips

Please travel the minimum possible distance to the shops. Ideally shop local. However if you do a large shop once a week at Tesco or M&S then that’s what you do. We still say shop local but we are not the shopping police!

• Example 3:- Driving to the shop but filling up with petrol on the way. Makes perfect sense and saves a separate trip.
• Example 4:- Living in Douglas and going for a long drive out of town and then coming back to the shops in Douglas. That is an unnecessary journey.

We would all love to just go for a drive but sorry.

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