GREATER Manchester Police have urged people to follow coronavirus guidelines as they get ready for another busy weekend.

The force has begged residents to adhere to the government guidance around the virus, as officers continue to prevent illegal raves in the area.

Hot weather, along with new measures put in place across the borough, have left police expecting this weekend to be another busy one, as they work to investigate and prevent potential guideline breaches.

Nick Bailey, Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police, urged people to look out for each other.

In a statement he said: "This weekend we will be again increasing our resources dedicated to preventing illegal raves and large gatherings.

"We have already prevented a number of events from taking place, arrested a number of people in connection with the irresponsible organisation of unlicensed and seized equipment.

"There is a clear risk from attendance at any of these events or gatherings as there are no safety measures in place and we urge everyone to stay away.

"We understand the frustration of not being able to continue social lives, or visit friends and family, however the risk of Coronavirus is still present and attending events in large groups is in breach of Covid legislation.

"Anyone - young and old - can catch coronavirus. If you or someone you’ve been close to tests positive, your life will be put on hold.

"The long-term health risks are not known and you could put your friends and family at serious risk by breaching the rules and socialising with people outside your household.

"The only way to stay safe and protect your family and loved ones is by following the guidelines outlined today.

"We anticipate that the announced changes - along with the sunny weather forecast – will likely result in a rise in calls to police this weekend as people report potential breaches of the guidelines."

His statement comes as people across the borough were told they could no longer meet with another household indoors.

Visiting another home, meeting people from another household in an establishment such as a pub or restaurant, or visiting someone in their garden is now banned across the borough, for at least a week.

Officers will be using the "four E's" approach that they've used so far, using engagement, explanations, and encouragement to ask people to follow the guidance, and enforcement as a last resort.

GMP have also reminded people that pubs must encourage people to keep socially distant, warning establishments that they could be closed by police if they don't comply.

Assistant Chief Constable Bailey added: "I would also urge the public to look out for each other, as we have seen across Greater Manchester throughout the pandemic, particularly those who are most vulnerable at this time.

"Today also marks Eid al-Adha so many of our Muslim communities will have woken up this morning to find that their celebrations this year may need to be changed at short notice.

"I can only imagine how upsetting this may be, and our officers will engage with community partners and our Muslim communities with understanding and compassion in the coming days to help explain the guidelines and keep people safe.

"Finally I just want to once again say thank you to the people of Greater Manchester for their continued support as we have seen the vast majority of people following the guidelines and protecting those who are most vulnerable in our society."

He also urged people to only contact police if necessary, to prevent taking resources away from vulnerable people who could urgently need the emergency services.

People can report crimes or guideline concerns that do not need an emergency response through the LiveChat function on the GMP website, or by calling 101.