CHOCK-A-BLOCKDOWN!
Thousands ignore Boris to flock to parks and sea
PARKS and seafronts continued to be packed at the weekend despite the Prime Minister warning Britons to ‘think twice’ before leaving home.
Many flocked to open spaces to enjoy the winter sunshine for their daily exercise allowed under lockdown rules.
Newcastle Quayside and the promenades at Brighton and Southsea, Hampshire, were among the busiest. In Greenwich Park in south-east London, a group of five picnickers was even spotted.
However, in his special message last Friday, Boris Johnson had said: ‘It’s safest to assume you may have Covid.
‘So please, really think twice before leaving the house this weekend and only do so if it’s absolutely necessary.’
Government guidance suggests Britons should keep a social distance and not travel outside their local area to exercise.
But photos showed that keeping apart from others was tough to enforce at popular locations, with hundreds of families often squeezing on to a single path.
Police in east London even warned people to stay away from Victoria Park after it got extremely busy yesterday afternoon.
Officers tweeted: ‘We would advise not come here if you want to be socially distanced.
‘We cannot emphasise #StayHomeSaveLives Only head out if you NEED to.’
There was also tension between walkers, motorists and cyclists in Richmond Park, south-west London. Those on bikes were accused of taking advantage of lockdown by racing through the royal park at high speed and in high numbers.
Meanwhile Health Secretary Matt Hancock was seen playing rugby with his son at a bustling Queen’s Park in northwest London on Saturday.
Britons have also been encouraged to walk or cycle to exercise locations instead of using cars or public transport.