Are you allowed to sunbathe in public during lockdown? What the Health Secretary has said
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said sunbathing in public spaces is against the coronavirus social distancing rules, as he warned those flouting the advice that they were putting people's lives at risk.
He told Sky News: “The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.
“But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice.”
Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: “Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons.”
He warned those who are flouting the guidance: “You are putting others' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm's way.”
Much of the UK is enjoying a warm spell this weekend, but the government and health officials have urged people to continue to stay at home and observe lockdown rules.
Mr Hancock refused to be drawn on how long the UK would remain in lockdown, but said if people follow the rules ‘we will be able to make some progress’.
The Health Secretary dismissed reports that he and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have different opinions about when to lift the measures.
“We're working very closely together,” he said.
Under lockdown rules people can only leave home for food, medical appointments or supplies, exercise once a day and for essential travel to work.