Now exercise could be banned
Hancock warning as selfish few flock to parks in the sunshine
HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday threatened to ban outdoor exercise if social distancing rules keep being flouted.
He said it was ‘quite extraordinary’ that a minority had spent the weekend sunbathing in public places despite it being against Government guidance.
Mr Hancock urged people not to sit down even for a minute on a park bench, saying those who disobeyed the rules were putting their own and others’ lives at risk.
He threatened the exercise ban in the morning – but in the afternoon he made a partial u-turn to say it would not happen imminently.
Police forces reacted with fury after thousands flocked to parks and beaches for picnics, barbecues and sunbathing. this was despite
Boris Johnson’s plea on Friday for everyone to stay indoors despite the sunny weather. Yesterday many parks shut because too many had ignored the advice.
Speaking at yesterday’s daily coronavirus press conference, Mr Hancock said: ‘I say this to the small minority of people who are breaking the rules or pushing the boundaries: you are risking your own life and the lives of others and you’re making it harder for us all.
‘We’ve included exercise as one of the things you can leave your house to do because it is good for physical and mental health but please do not bend or break this rule.
‘We can’t rule out further steps but I don’t want anyone to think changes to social distancing rules are imminent because the vast majority are following the rules.’
the Health Secretary added: ‘I have young children so I know what a challenge this can be for families.
‘I really understand how much everyone wants to enjoy the sunny weather but the cruel thing about coronavirus is that it thrives on social contact and the human bonds that bring so much to life. We must show resolve. all the things we miss now like going to the pub for a pint with friends or sitting in the park with a book or hugging a grandchild – we will have these moments again and they will mean even more to us.’
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said that if others sit on park benches, ‘people tend to accumulate’ – which was why it was against the rules.
asked earlier about photographs of sunbathing despite the Government advice, Mr Hancock confirmed it was against the rules.
Mr Hancock told Sky News: ‘ We are clear you shouldn’t leave your home unless it is for one of four reasons – for medical reasons, to buy food, to go to work if you can’t work at home or for exercise.’
the exercise threat prompted a split at the top of labour on Sir Keir Starmer’s first day in charge. the party’s new leader told the
BBC: ‘We realise how much social contact matters. But I would support the Government in this.’
His message was different from his new deputy angela Rayner, who has recently had coronavirus.
asked about Mr Hancock’s ruling on sunbathing, she said: ‘It’s all right for people who have got big houses and huge back gardens to say that but actually if you are stuck in inadequate accommodation, you’ve got nowhere to go... then I think people should do social distancing but also be reasonable and proportionate about that.
‘I’m disappointed that Matt Hancock, after seven days of having the virus, went out when the World Health Organisation has said you should self-isolate for 14 days.’ Latest coronavirus video news, views and expert advice at mailplus.co.uk/coronavirus