Outdoor exercise could be banned
OUTDOOR exercise could be banned if people flout the social distancing rules, the Health Secretary has warned, as the coronavirus death toll rose sharply again.
Matt Hancock said sunbathing in public spaces was against the Government guidance, and told those who dared to disobey that they are putting their own and others’ lives at risk.
The Department of Health said the number of coronavirus-related hospital deaths stood at 4,934 patients as of 5pm on Saturday, up by 621 from 4,313 the day before.
As temperatures rose across the country, some parks closed because too many people had ignored the advice to stay at home.
Mr Hancock said: “We’ve said it’s OK to go for exercise because both the physical and mental health benefits of getting some exercise are really important.
“I don’t want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home… if too many people are not following the rules.
“At the moment the vast majority of people are (following the guidance) but people should not break the rules because that will mean that the virus spreads more and then we might have to take further action.”
One London park was forced to close yesterday after thousands of people ignored “stay-at-home” guidance and enjoyed the sunshine.
Brockwell Park in Lambeth locked its gates indefinitely after 3,000 people visited on Saturday, “many of them sunbathing or in large groups”.
The council called the rulebreakers “unacceptable” and apologised for the closure, adding: “A minority of people have not followed the guidance – regrettably we have to act.”
There were similar scenes on Primrose Hill in Camden, where police moved on more than 100 people who were picnicking or had met with friends.
Rulebreakers were also spotted on the south coast, and two people will now face the courts after having a barbecue on a beach in Hove.
Sussex Police tweeted that they were “disappointed” in those caught, but said: “Thank you to everyone that stayed away from beauty spots and beaches today.
“We know it isn’t easy.”
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said there was evidence young people were not taking social distancing measures as seriously as others.
He explained: “There has been evidence that for some young people, there has been a lower level of compliance.
“That is why it is important that we reach them appropriately – it may be that some of the messages and some of the channels we have used have not reached some segments of the population.
“It may be that young people feel that they are less likely to be affected and less likely to be infected.”