With the lockdown in place for some weeks longer, clarification of the rules is key to ensuring that the Exmouth community is successful in preventing the spread of the virus.

The police have offered the following guidance for what is a 'reasonable excuse' for leaving home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Necessities:

Buying several days' worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol.

Buying a small amount of a staple item or necessity (a newspaper, pet food, a loaf of bread or pint of milk).

Collecting surplus basic food items from a friend.

Buying tools and supplies to repair a fence panel damaged in recent bad weather.

Exercise:

Including: going for a run or cycle or practicing yoga. Walking in the countryside or in cities. Attending an allotment.

Driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving).

Stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk.

Exercising more than once per day - the only relevant consideration is whether repeated exercise on the same day can be considered a 'reasonable excuse' for leaving home.

Work:

A key worker or other essential worker travelling to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home.

A non-key worker or non-essential key worker travelling to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home.

A person delivering food packages to vulnerable people.

Other:

Taking an animal for treatment.

Moving to a friend's address for several days to allow a 'cooling-off' following arguments at home.

Providing support to vulnerable people.