Crowds flock to parks and beaches despite Covid-19 warning from top scientists

27 February 2021, 16:53

Crowds have gathered at beaches across England amid the warm weather
Crowds have gathered at beaches across England amid the warm weather. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

People have rushed to beaches and park across the UK amid the hot weather this weekend - despite warnings from top scientists to stay at home.

Beach fronts in Brighton and Southend-on-Sea and were busy as temperatures rise to the highest for months.

Passers-by snapped crowds who, while largely socially distanced, were relaxing instead of exercising - against current Covid-19 restrictions.

Read more: 'Do not wreck this now', Van-Tam warns as some areas see rising Covid cases

A former Brighton PCSO tweeted that he "wouldn't be surprised if we have Lockdown 4" after witnessing crowds at the beach.

Passers-by in Brighton were concerned to see crowds at the beach
Passers-by in Brighton were concerned to see crowds at the beach. Picture: Nick (@surf107)
People relaxed at Bournemouth beach on Saturday amid wearm weather
People relaxed at Bournemouth beach on Saturday amid wearm weather. Picture: PA Images

Heaving parks were also snapped in parks across London and in Bishop's Park, where anti-lockdown protesters gathered on Saturday morning.

"It mad and in no way is distancing occurring," one person walking in Regent's Park tweeted, "not going to take a pic of playground but it was rammed."

Read more: People in their 40s next in line for Covid jabs

It comes despite England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, warning people "don't wreck this now" as pleasant weather washes over the country.

He said there are already "some worrying signs that people are relaxing" at "exactly the wrong time" while infections, hospitalisations and deaths remain high.

Many people were in Kensington Gardens in London during the warm weather
Many people were in Kensington Gardens in London during the warm weather. Picture: PA Images
Parks in London were packed this weekend
Parks in London were packed this weekend. Picture: PA Images

Rules currently allow each person outdoor exercise once per day, close to home, by themselves or with their household, one other person or a support bubble.

But stopping to sit down on a bench - or lie on the beach - for a long period of time remains against the restrictions.

Read more: SAGE scientists say clear messaging 'key to make sure people stick to rules after jab'

Prof Van-Tam also alerted people who have already been vaccinated to the dangers of "taking their foot off the brake" and being tempted to break the rules.

"Do not wreck this now," warns Professor Jonathan Van-Tam

He told a press conference on Friday: "All the patients that I vaccinate... I say to them, 'Remember, all the rules still apply to you and all of us until we're in a much safer place'. It doesn't change because you've had your first dose of vaccine.

"And so, please don't be tempted to think, 'Well, one home visit might be all right now the weather is getting better, going to be a nice weekend, one small gathering in your house won't really matter'.

Read more: UK Covid-19 R value stays between 0.6 and 0.9

"So my key message tonight is look, this is all going very well but there are some worrying signs that people are relaxing, taking their foot off the brake at exactly the wrong time."

It is the 54th day since the third national lockdown was announced by prime minister Boris Johnson on January 4.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Elements of the eucharist sacramental bread and sacramental wine.

Non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread cannot be used during holy communion, the Church of England has ruled.

Nelson Way, Chadderton.

Baby girl found dead in Greater Manchester home, with man and woman arrested

Police Scotland vehicle.

Man arrested and charged after attempted murder of police officer

Donald Trump and Elon Musk

Trump will back Elon Musk to investigate 'hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse' in US military

Robbie Williams on Instagram

Robbie Williams pays £20,000 for comedian's iconic glasses and pipe

Garda

Man arrested after several people reportedly stabbed in Dublin

Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Reeves calls for economic growth talks with bank chiefs, after 'Stagflation' warning

Reform UK Holds a Regional Conference In Wiltshire

Farage claims Conservative Party has less than 100,000 members and blasts Kemi Badenoch for calling Reform member numbers 'fake'

Foreign Ministers attend an Arab League extraordinary meeting in Cairo on October 11, 2023.

Egypt to host emergency Arab League summit after Trump announces plan to displace 1.8 million Palestinians and 'take over Gaza'

Jack Fincham.

Love Island star admits to feeling like a 'failure' after spending '£1 million on drugs, alcohol and gambling'

Westminster Abbey and Church House

Church of England meeting at time of ‘unprecedented crisis’ after scandals and historical abuse claims

The plane was forced to make an emergency landing

easyJet flight forced to make emergency landing after pilot collapses on board

Joel Verite was among the first on the scene of the Southport knife attack where three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party.

Southport hero who came face-to-face with Rudakubana as he rushed to save dying girls says it was 'like a horror film'

Labour vows to punish any other MP or minister caught up in Andrew Gwynne WhatsApp group scandal

Labour vows to punish any MP caught up in Andrew Gwynne WhatsApp group scandal

Donald Trump has spoken to Vladimir Putin

Trump confirms he 'spoke to Putin about ending war in Ukraine' as Russian president 'wants to see people stop dying'

displaced Gazans walking toward Gaza City on January 27, 2025, after crossing the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip.

Israeli troops withdraw from key militarised corridor that splits Gaza in two as part of ceasefire deal