Sunbathing Is 'Against The Rules' On Coronavirus, Health Secretary Warns

A police officer asks people to leave the beach in Brighton, south England, as the UK continues to implement a social lockdown.
A police officer asks people to leave the beach in Brighton, south England, as the UK continues to implement a social lockdown.

Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.

Sunbathing is “against the rules” on social distancing, health secretary Matt Hancock has warned as the minister underlined coronavirus regulations are “backed up by law”.

Scorching hot weekend weather has seen people ignore the restrictions and head to beauty spots and beaches, sparking fresh concerns the disease could begin to spread more rapidly.

Speaking to Sky News the cabinet minister called their behaviour “unbelievable” and underlined that Brits can only go outside for food, medical supplies, exercise or work while the lockdown is in place.

He told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.

“But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that – it’s quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice.”

Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: “Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons.”

He warned those who are flouting the guidance: “You are putting others’ lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm’s way.”

Sussex Police warned that social distancing had become “impossible” after scores flocked to Brighton beach on Saturday.

After 3,000 people flocked to Brockwell park, in south London, Lambeth council said it planned to close the area to the public.

It comes as the Queen was set to make a...

Continue reading on HuffPost