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Coronavirus: Sunbathing 'against social distancing rules' Coronavirus: Sunbathing 'against social distancing rules'
(32 minutes later)
Sunbathing in public spaces is against the government's coronavirus social distancing rules, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.Sunbathing in public spaces is against the government's coronavirus social distancing rules, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
Mr Hancock told Sky's Sophy Ridge it is "quite unbelievable" that a minority of the public are not following the lockdown social distancing advice.Mr Hancock told Sky's Sophy Ridge it is "quite unbelievable" that a minority of the public are not following the lockdown social distancing advice.
It comes after reports of groups of people gathering in parks during sunny weather this weekend.It comes after reports of groups of people gathering in parks during sunny weather this weekend.
The latest death toll in the UK reached 4,313 on Saturday.The latest death toll in the UK reached 4,313 on Saturday.
"We're absolutely clear that you should not leave your home unless it's for one of four reasons: for medical reasons, to buy food, to go to work if you can't work at home and for exercise," Mr Hancock said."We're absolutely clear that you should not leave your home unless it's for one of four reasons: for medical reasons, to buy food, to go to work if you can't work at home and for exercise," Mr Hancock said.
He added that the rules that have been set out for public health reasons were "backed up in law".He added that the rules that have been set out for public health reasons were "backed up in law".
"It is not a request, it is a requirement in law and people need to follow it," he said."It is not a request, it is a requirement in law and people need to follow it," he said.
"I just say this to the very small minority of people who are choosing to flout the guidance - you are putting others' lives at risk.""I just say this to the very small minority of people who are choosing to flout the guidance - you are putting others' lives at risk."
It comes after Brighton and Hove City Council tweeted on Saturday that too many people were meeting up with friends on the seafront, making social distancing "impossible".It comes after Brighton and Hove City Council tweeted on Saturday that too many people were meeting up with friends on the seafront, making social distancing "impossible".
Sussex Police said two people had been summonsed to attend court after having a barbecue on Hove beach.Sussex Police said two people had been summonsed to attend court after having a barbecue on Hove beach.
Meanwhile, Lambeth Council in south London said Brockwell Park would be closed on Sunday after more than 3,000 people spent the day there sunbathing or in large groups on Saturday.Meanwhile, Lambeth Council in south London said Brockwell Park would be closed on Sunday after more than 3,000 people spent the day there sunbathing or in large groups on Saturday.
Mr Hancock did not specify how long the UK would remain in lockdown, but said if people follow the rules "we will be able to make some progress".
"Every single person can do their bit to get us out of this faster and they do their bit by following the social distancing rules," he said.
The health secretary also dismissed speculation that he and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have different opinions about when to lift the strict measures.
"We're working very closely together," he said. "What matters is that we get out of this as soon as possible."
At Saturday's daily briefing, cabinet minister Michael Gove said people must respect the lockdown and that it might be that some of the government's messages had 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," he added.
In other developments: