RECKLESS people in Glasgow are still flouting lockdown rules to host house parties – despite the number of deaths to coronavirus continuing to rise.

It comes as Scots are being urged to stay at home and keep any essential exercise and journeys short over the Easter weekend.

Under new coronavirus legislation, police have been given the powers to fine people ignoring social distancing measures.

They have been enforcing those measures, with Chief Constable Iain Livingstone yesterday revealing over 500 fixed penalty notices have been issued since the powers came into force.

On one occasion, the Glasgow Times understands, officers were called to shut down a house party in King’s Park.

Neighbours of the resident on Montford Avenue claim drug users had been seen entering and leaving the flat and staying overnight at times, despite the stay-at-home guidance.

A woman was arrested following a call-out to the address, with two men also cautioned.

Glasgow Times:

A force spokesperson said: “Officers attended a property on Montford Avenue in Glasgow shortly after 3.35pm on Sunday, April 5 following a report of a disturbance.

“A woman, 29, was arrested in connection with the incident.

“Additionally, two men were issued with warnings.”

Greater Glasgow and Clyde has consistently been the health board in Scotland with the highest cases of the deadly coronavirus.

As of yesterday, 1314 people were confirmed to have COVID-19 , with 571 suspected or confirmed cases in hospital.

Of those, 65 cases are in intensive care.

The chief constable thanked people who were following the guidance adding that his officers would “explain legal instructions, encourage compliance and when needed enforce the law”.

Glasgow Times:

He added: “Since emergency powers came into effect two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations.

“Thus far, across the whole of the country, we have issued more than 500 fixed penalty notices.

“This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers, for example house parties or other gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse.”

National clinical director for Scotland Jason Leitch is also people to do any outdoor exercise near their home and for no more than an hour, avoid long journeys and only travel by car “if it is unavoidable” over this Easter weekend.

He said: “The best ways of slowing down the spread of coronavirus is staying at home, social distancing and hand washing, so I must thank everyone for all they have been doing so far to keep safe and comply with these measures.

“We need to use common sense.

“If you travel further afield, there is a risk you might come into contact with other people, whether you plan to or not, so please keep this to an absolute minimum.”

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