Anger as group ignore lockdown rules to play football in Southport

People are continuing to ignore social distancing measures, despite repeated calls from the police to stay at home.

One photograph taken on Monday shows group of people gathering at The bowling green near to the Marine lake to play football Southport.

While most people appear to be taking the restrictions seriously, Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that outdoor exercise could be banned entirely if people continue to disobey the rules.

It is vital to continue to follow social distancing advice to save lives.

DO NOT:
❌ travel to beaches
❌ visit national parks
❌ hold picnics

Only leave your home for essentials, work or exercise.#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/w3Pun6Nuce

— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) April 5, 2020

He threatened that “further action” could be taken if people’s daily exercise is not limited to a walk, run or cycle.

Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, he said: “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.”