Exercise outside the home could be banned if people ignore coronavirus social distancing rules, the health secretary has warned. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52172035

Matt Hancock told the BBC’s Andrew Marr that the government would “take action” if needed to control the virus.

It comes after reports of groups of people gathering in parks during sunny weather this weekend.

Meanwhile, a further 555 people have died with the virus in England, 12 more in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland.

Mr Hancock said: “If you don’t want us to have to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside of your own home, then you’ve got to follow the rules.”

The health secretary said the vast majority were sticking to the guidelines, adding: “Let’s not have a minority spoil it for everybody.”

This message is not helped by local maverick politicians: 

 Cllr Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways management DCC recently said enforcement has been removed from many parking places including coastal and tourist destinations. 

And EDDC revealed a couple of weeks ago that its all day parking for £2 will continue, following an agreement by council leader Councillor Ben Ingham and assets portfolio holder Cllr Geoff Pook. (In order to encourage people to spend all day wandering around the towns of Exmouth, Sidmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Axminster, Ottery and Budleigh.)

Can we all speak with one voice?