DAYS before lockdown restrictions are due to ease residents continue to breach Covid rules, forcing police to take action.

Four men from Hertfordshire travelled to Braintree to collect a watch earlier this month.

The men, aged from 20 to 28 were from different households and not wearing masks, they were all issued with Fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

The fine was one of the latest for Covid breaches to be handed out by Essex Police across the county.

A 25-year-old man received a FPN after he travelled to Stansted Airport with a couple he was not in a bubble with.

His excuse- he was accompanying a driver as the journey took two hours.

Three men from different households were also issued FPNs after being found in a vehicle together at a suspected car meet on a Braintree industrial estate.

All has previously been warned for breaching covid regulations.

Four men from Hertfordshire travelled to Braintree to collect a watch earlier this month.

The men, aged from 20 to 28 were from different households and not wearing masks, they were all issued with FPNs.

Read more:

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The Covid-19 infection rate in Essex remains low.

"However, some areas of the county have seen an increase in the number of infections in the past week.

"With lockdown restrictions due to ease on March 29, we must continue to stick to the Government’s guidelines to protect ourselves, our families and the NHS.

"This means staying at home, avoiding unnecessary journeys and isolating when required to.

"Any surge in cases could put unsustainable pressure on our local hospitals and lead to delays in implementing the Government’s proposed timetable.

"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."