In Europe, many countries have implemented curfews due to the novel coronavirus. However, this does not stop trainers from indulging in their hobby and hunting Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Now, two more cases have emerged where the police had to intervene.
This is the situation: In many countries in Europe, curfews are currently in effect. In many places, residents are only allowed to leave their homes to attend to the most essential needs: People may buy groceries, go to work, and little more. This is intended to limit the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2.
The police are trying to enforce these curfews in many countries through increased controls to contain the pandemic.
Catching Pokémon is not an essential reason for travel
This is the case from England: In southern England, police caught a trainer in his car at the Stevenage Leisure Park, a recreational center that is closed due to the virus.
The driver stated that he was in the area because he was playing Pokémon GO. However, that did not convince them.
The officers explained to him that Pokémon GO is not an essential travel reason under the new rules and sent him home.
This is the case from Spain: In Madrid, a 77-year-old retiree was caught outside on the streets of Madrid playing Pokémon GO despite strict curfews.
The police in Madrid tweeted after the incident that “hunting dinosaurs or other magical creatures” is prohibited.
People should not look for excuses during the curfews and stay at home.
The dinosaur reference might have been in the tweet because a week prior, someone was stopped in another part of Spain while wearing a T-Rex costume in the street. Some suspect that the costume may have been intended as a kind of protective suit.
Even then, the police showed humor: While it is allowed to walk pets, a Tyrannosaurus Rex does not fall under this exception rule.
There was a case from Italy that we have already reported on. A 31-year-old man was caught hunting Pokémon on the street. When the police stopped him and asked why he was outside, he simply said, “I have to catch the Pokémon.” This man also received a ticket.
Keep in mind that there is currently a risk of contracting the coronavirus. The Federal Centre for Health Education recommends staying at home as much as possible, maintaining distance from others, and avoiding gatherings. Niantic has implemented several measures so that you can play Pokémon GO from home .
