THE St Helens public is being urged to stay at home during the UK’s fifth weekend under lockdown.

Forecasters have predicted warm conditions for most of the country over the weekend.

This has led to concerns about the “danger” that people may defy the restrictions which have been in place since March 23 because of the coronavirus crisis.

Merseyside Police - which warned earlier this week about increasing signs that some people in St Helens are flouting the regulations - says it understands boredom and frustration may be kicking in.

But senior officers have asked people to remember the “human impact that the coronavirus is having on our communities and the loved ones of families across the county”.

The force said it has joined forces with local councils and hospitals trusts to press home the message.

There have been some signs of the pace of confirmed cases across St Helens slowing this week - but figures released on Friday from St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust confirmed nine more deaths among patients who had tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “As each day passes more families across the region are finding themselves facing the harsh reality of the impact of Coronavirus

"In the last couple of weeks we have seen the number of cases increase in the region and we need to ensure that we do everything possible to support the NHS call to #StayAtHomeSave Lives.

"Anyone can contract and spread coronavirus so I would ask the question - is having a picnic, sunbathing on the beach or in a local park, or meeting with friends more important than your health and the health of your loved ones?

"Our beaches and beauty spots will still be there for you to enjoy once the pandemic is over.

“And the more we can adhere to the restrictions in place now, the quicker we can return to normality.

“But ignore the restrictions now and we could find ourselves in this position for longer and possibly with harsher restrictions.

"People should only be leaving home for essential activities - shopping for food and medication, exercising and going to work if they are key workers and can’t work from home – and please remember to abide by social distancing rules when in public places.”

In recent weeks police have had to break up house parties and deal with groups of scrambler riders.

Police will continue to patrol areas of St Helens, including parks and beauty spots where there have been reports of visitors breaching social distancing advice.

Mr Cooke added: "We have taken a common sense approach to policing the legislative powers given to the police and we want to work with people and only use the powers as a last resort.

“But our message is clear: if you are consistently and flagrantly ignoring the Government, powers we will use the legislation that is open to us.

"Those who are consistently flouting the legislation are putting others at risk, including their own families, and I would appeal to their families to explain to them the potential consequences their actions could have on their loved ones.

“At the end of the day none of us want to be cooped up at home, but that's a better option that the potential alternative. 

“These are unprecedented and challenging times for all of us, but we all have loved ones and we need to think about them and understand the danger we are putting ourselves, and our loved ones, in.”

The message was echoed by St Helens Council, which warned that the sacrifices of the past have few weeks could be wasted if people ignore the restrictions this weekend.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is as important as ever that you stay at home now, and only go out if you absolutely need to, for food, medical or care needs or for your daily exercise.

“If you have to go out, social distancing is mandatory for everyone, stay two metres apart, follow any restrictions in place at supermarkets and wash or sanitise your hands often.

“People across the borough and across the country have sacrificed so much adhering to the necessary lockdown, so please don’t let that effort go to waste now.

“By staying home when it is safe to do so, you’re protecting yourself, your family, and your community.

“You’re helping to protect the NHS, key workers and volunteers that continue their vital work under extreme pressure every day.

“Stay at home, save lives and if you are at risk, suffering a mental health crisis or living in an abusive environment please know that there is help available at safer.sthelens.gov.uk.”