Coronavirus: Beaches could be closed if social distancing is not observed, Matt Hancock warns

The health secretary has threatened to close down beaches if they become too crowded and social distancing is not observed.

Matt Hancock told TalkRadio after a “major incident” was declared at Bournemouth beach: “Well, we do have that power.

“I am reluctant to use it because people have had a pretty tough lockdown. Everybody should be able to enjoy the sunshine.

“We do have those powers – and if we see a spike in the number of cases, then we will take action.”

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty echoed the warning, posting on Twitter last night: “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. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.”

A total of 43,230 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, with 149 deaths reported on Thursday, according to Department of Health figures.

Thousands of people flocked to beaches in Dorset and Brighton on the hottest day of the year yesterday, with local officials reporting “gridlocked roads”, fighting and overnight camping.

Environment Secretary George Eustice reminded the public there are signs in Bournemouth that tell visitors to “go home if it’s too busy”.

He told Sky News: “Clearly people didn’t heed that. I do think we have to appeal to people to be careful here.

“We’ve taken the next steps of loosening the lockdown… It’s important that people observe the social distancing measures in place.”

Meanwhile, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas said the numbers in Bournemouth were “worrying” for all seaside towns after police were called to the promeade there too.

“We love welcoming visitors but want everyone to be safe & need time to make city ready. Pls respect the rules & our city,” she said.

MP for Bournemouth East Tobias Ellwood urged visitors “not to forget the pandemic is far from over”.

He said: “It is very sad to see a number of people being selfish and also acting dangerously.”

Crowded scenes in Dorset also saw local authorities issue warnings to the public to “show common sense”.

Anna Harvey, who chairs Dorset Police Federation, said: “People have been locked down for months… and now with the weather and the lockdown being unlocked have been flocking to our fantastic beaches.

“I am afraid people were asked by the government to show common sense and at times there has not been much evidence of that being on display. We are still in the middle of a pandemic.”

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Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, Peter Kyle, criticised the government after the Prime Minister told destination communities to welcome reopening next month.

In an exchange in the Commons, Mr Kyle pressed Boris Johnson on how tourist hotspots can be kept safe as restrictions are eased, to which he said they should “show some guts and… champion their communities as venues for people to return to and support”.

Mr Kyle tweeted on Thursday: “I truly wish our prime minister listened to constructive advice. His irresponsibility has consequences.”

Other tourist hotspots nationwide have been forced to tell visitors to stay away during periods of hot and sunny weather in recent weeks.

But thunderstorms and torrential rain will bring an abrupt end to the baking hot conditions today.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place for the whole of the UK for Friday, with heavy rain, lightning and hail expected to bring a risk of flooding.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Beaches could be closed if social distancing is not observed, Matt Hancock warns