POLICE are encouraging the public to “tread very cautiously” as restrictions ease - until more is known about Indian variant of Covid-19.

As Government Covid restrictions eased further on Monday this week - allowing venues such as those providing hospitality and entertainment services to reopen indoors - North Yorkshire Police are urging members of the public to continue to act with caution.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading North Yorkshire Police’s response to the pandemic, said: "Even though limited indoor gatherings and indoor hospitality are now allowed under Step 3 of the roadmap, in line with the “Rule of Six” or two households restrictions, we strongly urge people to be very careful until more is known about this variant.

"Please avoid any unnecessary social contact with those who are not part of your household or support bubble, and please keep following the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ advice from the health experts.

"We have come a heck of a long way since the terrible peaks of this pandemic, which forced the country into three lockdowns.

"We need to tread very cautiously as we move forward and be prepared for whatever may occur over the coming weeks."

During the past week, there have been no Fixed Penalty Notices issued by North Yorkshire Police.