Outdoor exercise could be banned if Brits defy coronavirus lockdown, Matt Hancock warns

Outdoor exercise could be banned if Brits flout the social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic, the Health Secretary has warned.

Matt Hancock said sunbathing in public spaces was against the Government guidance, and told those who dared to disobey that they are putting their own and others’ lives at risk.

As temperatures rose across the country, some parks closed because too many people had ignored the advice to stay at home.

Mr Hancock told the BBC: “We’ve said it’s OK to go for exercise because both the physical and mental health benefits of getting some exercise are really important.

“I don’t want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home… if too many people are not following the rules.

“At the moment the vast majority of people are (following the guidance) but people should not break the rules because that will mean that the virus spreads more and then we might have to take further action.”

He also confirmed that Boris Johnson continues to have a high temperature but is “OK” and in “good spirits” as he remains in self-isolation in Downing Street.

His warning came after scores of people were pictures flouting lockdown rules in London parks on Saturday during a mini-heatwave.

Brockwell Park was last night forced to close after thousands of people ignored Government advice.

On Saturday, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katie Bourne warned that the weekend weather posed the biggest challenge for police yet in enforcing the lockdown.