By Ben Kerrigan-
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the government may close beaches n the Uk if people do not stop flocking to it in high numbers.
Mr Hancock said he was reluctant to use the powers the government has “because people have had a pretty tough lockdown” but he added: “If we see a spike in the number of cases we will take action.”
His comments follows Prof Chris Whitty’s remarks on social media came after a major incident was declared in Bournemouth when thousands of people flocked to the Dorset coast.
“Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all,” he said.
The latest figures, released by the Department for Health and Social Care, showed 307,980 people have tested positive across the UK.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said Bournemouth Beach was “stretched to the absolute hilt” on Thursday, while Dorset Police said there were reports of gridlocked roads, fights and overnight camping.
Council leader Vikki Slade said they were “absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches”.
In Glasgow, police cleared hundreds of people from Kelvingrove Park, prompting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to say that, while she understood the desire to enjoy the hot weather, people should “follow the rules”.
On Twitter, Prof Whitty said: “Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.
“If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again.”
People in England have been able to meet in groups of up to six people in outdoor spaces such as parks or private gardens with the conditions that they observe social distancing and remain two metres apart.
However, sunny weekends have seen multitudes gather in most beaches in England with social distancing barely observed. Fears of a second wave have been raised, but numbers of infected people in England have steadily fallen for the past few weeks , paving the way for the easing of the lockdown which has led to the opening of none essential shops with pubs scheduled to open on July 4.
The government will be expected to monitor the rates of new infections in England, and decide to take action to shut down beaches if warnings to avoid them are not heeded.
The UK recorded its hottest temperature of the year on Thursday for the second consecutive day so far, with highs of 33.3C (92F) at Heathrow Airport.
Southend beach was full on Thursday Image: THE EYE OF MEDIA.COM
Scotland and Wales also individually recorded their hottest days of the year.In Wales, the temperature reached 30.7C at Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth, beating the previous high of 30C from Wednesday. And in Scotland, a high of 30C was recorded in Prestwick.
The government will be expected to monitor the rates of new infections in England, and decide to take action to shut down beaches if warnings to avoid them are not heeded.
Image:radiotoday.co.uk