Essex Police have reminded residents that despite the good news of falling rates of infection across the county, pandemic restrictions remain in place - and have given examples of breaches they have recently fined people for.

In a statement released yesterday evening (Friday, 12 March), an Essex Police spokesperson said: "The number of people in our county who have contracted Covid-19 continues to fall. This is thanks to everyone who has followed the rules by staying at home, avoiding unnecessary journeys and isolating when required to.

"This week, children have returned to school. As restrictions ease, it is crucial we all continue to stick to the government's guidelines to protect ourselves, our families and the NHS.

"Any surge in cases could put unsustainable pressure on our local hospitals and lead to delays in implementing the government's proposed timetable, which it has made clear will be guided by data, not dates."

Examples of recent Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) handed out to people across the county include:

-on Thursday 4 March, a 20-year-old Colchester woman received an FPN after she hired a house in the town from Airbnb and invited four other people for a party to celebrate her birthday.

-on the same day, a couple from Enfield were fined after travelling to Great Bentley for a break in their caravan. It is currently against the rules to go on holiday within the UK or abroad.

-a 45-year-old Basildon woman was issued a fine on Sunday, 7 March after she organised a party for up to 50 people.

-following a Border Force request to carry out an isolation check on Monday, 8 March, officers visited the home of a 30-year-old Aveley woman who had recently returned to the UK. They found she had gone to the shops for a bottle of wine and some washing powder and she was fined.

-on the same day a 55-year-old Grays woman also received an FPN for breaching quarantine rules after going to the shops.

-a 23-year-old man from Chelmsford was issued with an FPN after telling officers he'd driven to Shoeburyness to watch the sunset.

The police spokesperson continued: "Our officers will continue to engage with people, explain the regulations and encourage them to do the right thing.

"But where reasoned conversation is not successful, we will consider enforcement action.

"If you are thinking about organising a social gathering or making a non-essential journey, please reconsider, stay safe and stop the unnecessary spread of Covid-19.

"We want you to continue to report Covid-19 breaches."

• For further details about the latest Covid-19 restrictions, visit the Government's website at the link here.