Police in the U.K. had to break up a "massive" karaoke party during a lockdown put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The government has advised citizens to avoid large and small gatherings in public and to avoid contact with friends or family who don't live in the same household.
Nevertheless, Derbyshire Police said their officers were in "absolute shock" to find more than 25 adults and children defied social distancing guidelines to gather at a party on Sunday night.
Police said they ensured people dispersed and the hosts of the party were "dealt with."
Group 1 Officers have just attended an address in absolute shock to find 25 adults and children having a massive party with speakers and karaoke. Everyone dispersed and hosts dealt with.
— Derby West Response (@DerWestResponse) March 29, 2020
It is clear people are still having complete disregard for the Government advice and rules. pic.twitter.com/g3GFGhFN6e
"Officers have just attended an address in absolute shock to find 25 adults and children having a massive party with speakers and karaoke," police said on Twitter. "Everyone dispersed and hosts dealt with."
They added: "It is clear people are still having complete disregard for the government advice and rules." Derbyshire Police have been contacted for additional comment.
The party took place during the first weekend of a nationwide lockdown in the U.K. in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
People have been advised to stay at home and only go out if their work is essential, to exercise or to buy food or medicine.
Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, has said that the county would get through the crisis together.
In a video message posted on Twitter on Sunday evening, Johnson praised 20,000 former National Health Service (NHS) staff who have returned to work to help tackle the pandemic. He also thanked those complying with the government's guidelines, health workers and those working in essential sectors.
He said: "We are going to do it, we are going to do it together. One thing I think the coronavirus crisis has already proved is that there really is such a thing as society."
Earlier in the day, England's deputy chief medical officer Dr. Jenny Harries warned the U.K. that government restrictions are likely to continue for six months.
The U.K. has more than 19,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,231 deaths, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. More than 150 people in the country have recovered.
Globally, the virus has infcted more than 723,000 people and killed more than 34,000. More than 152,000 people have recovered.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
