Canterbury police are reminding the public to not be complacent when it comes to level two restrictions.

Christchurch Metro Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Leairne Dow says since restrictions came into place at 11:59pm on Wednesday, police have conducted 43 ‘reassurance checks’ at essential facilities such as supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations, and conducted 35 dedicated prevention patrols. 

“There have been no major incidents of note in relation to Alert Level 2 restrictions.”

Inspector Dow says most calls to police in relation to mass gatherings turned out to be small groups – fewer than 10 – socialising within the required restrictions.

She says police including the Alcohol Harm Prevention Team, have found licensed premises are working well under the updated alert level, and they’re pleased to see people adhering to the rules around mass gatherings.

Inspector Leairne Dow says Aviation Security Service colleagues have been supporting police with their “wider reassurance work.”

“Gatherings and events continue to be a high risk area for the transmission of COVID-19 — that’s why they remain limited to 10 people under Alert Level 2. “

She says “what we don’t want to see this weekend, and going forward, is behaviour that could jeopardise the gains we’ve made to date and potentially take us backward.”

“That means we still need to be cautious, keep our distance from strangers, limit any gatherings to no more than 10 people and maintain good personal hygiene.”

Inspector Leairne Dow says with more people heading into the central city, it’s also important to remember to lock your vehicles, remove any valuables and, as always, do not drink and drive.

“Police will continue to take an education-first approach to potential breaches of Alert Level 2.”