Webpage launched in Northern Ireland to report alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules

A webpage has been launched by police in Northern Ireland for people to report alleged breaches of social distancing rules amid the novel coronavirus lockdown, local media reported.

The move is seeking to take pressure off the existing police non-emergency 101 phone number for reporting crime, which officers said has been swamped by dial-ins in recent weeks, the London-based Evening Standard newspaper reported Saturday.

Britain's coronavirus lockdown faces its most serious test this weekend as the public is urged to stay at home during the Easter holiday weekend to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Available on www.psni.police.uk/covid19, the webpage "comes as commanders revealed that they had received nearly 1,000 reports of alleged breaches of the lockdown measures in the last fortnight," said the newspaper.

Announcing Thursday that lockdown measures will remain in place, the British government called upon people to stick by social distancing rules amid fears that warm weather over the weekend could tempt breaches.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster on Friday warned those who flout social distancing rules over the Easter holiday that they should expect police action.

Officers there encouraged people to contact police if they were aware of any breaches, including gatherings of people; people repeatedly travelling for non-essential purposes; or a bar or licensed premises remaining open.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday said the Easter holiday weekend would be a "test of the nation's resolve" as he issued another warning to the public to "stay at home".

His warning came as the death toll of those hospitalized in Britain who tested positive for the virus reached 8,958 Friday, marking a record-high daily increase of nearly 1,000.