Coronavirus advice and information
Maintaining the safety of everyone in our force area is our top priority and we will continue to work with partners within our local authorities, other emergency services, national police colleagues, the Government and Public Health to achieve this.
You can find the latest advice and information here. To report anything which goes outside of the government rules, you can do so by calling 101.
Latest advice and information
- Coronavirus (Covid-19): What you need to do
- Guidance on the wearing of face coverings and exceptions to this (where they are mandated)
- Guidance for households with possible Coronavirus infection
- Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
- Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
- Guidance for employees, employers and businesses
- Check the NHS website if you have symptoms
- NHS Advice for everyone about Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Face coverings FAQs
To provide some further guidance in relation to face coverings, we have prepared some FAQs below.
Q. I am in a shop and I can see someone without a face covering, what should I do?
A. Please alert a member of staff in the shop so that they can offer suitable advice.
Q. I am a shop owner and there is a member of the public in store with no face covering, what should I do?
A. Please engage with them, advise that face coverings are now essential within the store and ask them to adhere to the government guidelines.
Q. What if that person refuses and becomes agitated or aggressive?
A. Please call 999 if it is an emergency or alternatively you can speak to us by dialling 101 (non-emergency)
Local authority information
You can find out the latest updates for your area via your local council’s website:
North Lincolnshire Council
North East Lincolnshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
Hull City Council
The Hull Helpline has been launched by Hull City Council to support residents most in need during coronavirus crisis. Residents should register their need for support through an online form or by calling the Hull Helpline number on 01482 300 307.
Local businesses can find further information via the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Hub.
Online grooming and child exploitation
To help keep young people safe and protect them from offenders who might attempt to target them online, we have collected information to support both parents/carers and young people to spot the signs of online exploitation. There is also information about who to talk to and where you can get help.
Online exploitation can affect anyone, boy or girl, from any community. Please remember - it is never the child’s fault.
Remember – if you are in immediate danger you should always contact the police.
You never know who you’re talking to
You don’t always know who you are talking to online. Unless you can see the person (not just a still image of them), hear them and you know them in real life, it’s difficult to be sure that the person you are messaging is really who you think they are.
Constant contact
Because social media is “always on” you can be constantly bombarded with messages. This pressure can then be used as a way to watch, coerce and control what you do. Log out – give yourself space to breathe and think. If you are worried – talk to someone you trust. There are more links to support on this page.
Sharing images
Because you don’t always know who you’re talking to you also don’t always know who you’re sending that selfie to. Sometimes a criminal will pressure you to send a nude selfie or other indecent picture or share sensitive information which they will then use to force you into sexual or criminal activity. Remember you should never do anything which makes you uncomfortable. If you aren’t sure talk to someone you trust or contact one of the support organisations listed on this page.
Sharing information
Criminals will also use any information – including pictures – you share about yourself publicly to get to know you and pretend to a friend you can trust. Once they “befriend” you, they can groom and manipulate you into sexual or criminal activity. Again you should never feel pressured into something you don’t want to do. If you are worried – talk to someone.
What can I do to help protect my child?
There are things you can do to help protect your children from online exploitation.
- Check games content and features (Is it appropriate? Will they have online access?)
- Remember to use privacy and parental controls
- Turn location settings off in mobile apps
- Make an agreement with your child about time online and stick to it.
What signs should I look out for that my child could be being exploited?
If you are a parent or carer the following might indicate that a child needs help:
- Talking about older/new friends they’ve met online.
- Talking about gifts/money they’ve received online
- Becoming withdrawn and secretive
- Having a new phone or more than one phone
- Receiving a large number of calls or messages
- Worried about being away from their phone
These are only some of the possible signs and ways you can help. The Children’s Society offer more information on risks, staying safe and spotting the signs. You can find further information and support here.
Always remember if you’re worried that a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should call the police on 999.