As the UK public continues to get to grips with lockdown guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic, police were called to move on surfers who flouted coronavirus advice and decided to go out in the sea in Tynemouth yesterday (10 April).
With the weather tempting people out over the bank holiday, it seems some people have been seen ignoring advice from the government to 'stay at home', as the Evening Chronicle reported that police were required to disperse the surfers at Tynemouth Longsands.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police told the newspaper: "The police are encouraging the public to comply with the Government guidelines and the police will enforce regulations where appropriate.
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"We are encouraging the public to stay at home. We try to engage with people to follow the guidelines and we will enforce the law where appropriate but we are trying to engage with people in the first instance."
Although 'daily exercise' has been allowed in the UK, despite it being taken off the government's official website, people have been asked to stay indoors repeatedly throughout the last few weeks in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier today (11 April) Northumbria Police tweeted that the beaches had largely been left clear, despite the surfers, and commended the public for staying away. They wrote: "What an incredible effort! We just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who is continuing to follow the stay-at-home restrictions and saving lives.
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"Our officers out on patrol yesterday found near deserted beaches and parks. Please continue to make a difference! "
Surfing has specifically been banned in other countries, including Portugal, Spain and Italy.
With the weather getting nicer over the past few days - 24.6°C was recorded at Bude in Cornwall on Good Friday - members of the public have been leaving their homes to enjoy it - despite the advice being not to.
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Some people have been out exercising, which is currently allowed under the government's guidance, but it's been questioned whether they've been keeping the required two metre distance.
According to The Sun, people who drive to the beach or have a picnic could be fined up to £960 ($1,200) or even be arrested, and while it's deemed acceptable to visit the beach to exercise, anyone travelling further than their local area or visiting to congregate in groups are breaking the law.
But the longer people continue to ignore the government's advice, the longer lockdown will continue.
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On Thursday, the UK government said that it is 'too early' to think about ending the lockdown with Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab explaining: "We're not done yet. We must keep going."
Taking the opportunity to encourage people to stay inside this weekend despite temptations, Mr Raab added: "People need to think long and hard about what might happen to people on the front line of the NHS if they are considering going out this weekend."
Stay inside, LADs, for everyone's sake.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Coronavirus
