Machibet BetBrits flock to parks and beaches and boy racers hit the streets despite warnings doing so will kill vulnerable people – The Sun | The Sun - Mcb777 Login

BRITS flocked to parks and beaches today despite the serious warning to stay at home to beat deadly coronavirus.

Richmond Park was so full of cyclists, cars and walkers police were called, as people failed to heed the urgent pleas to keep their distance.

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Dozens of people flocked to Victoria Park, London, on a sunny day as the nation tries to practise social distancingCredit: gavin rodgers/

Families stroll along the beach at Lyme Regis on a beautiful sunny Mother's DayCredit: Alamy Live News

Cops were called to Richmond Park in London after hundreds of people descended on the green spaceCredit: Rick Findler

The Prime Minister has said repeatedly that the nation should not mingle with each other and practise social distancing.

While we are allowed to leave the house to exercise if not showing any symptoms, it must not be within a large group and there must be significant distance between each person.

Experts have said that not doing so is selfish and that if people properly do follow the instructions to remain apart they will save lives.

Yesterday it was announced the National Trust would close all of its parks and gardens, with many other large parks around the country following suit - but many have remained open.

London's Sloane Street saw a host of expensive sports cars gathered there - boy racers took to the streets to take advantage of the empty roads, while crowds gathered to watch.

And thousands of people spilled into parks today, often failing to keep safe social distances between them as they did.

The PM ordered pubs and restaurants to close their doors on Friday night - only allowing them to provide takeaways.

It came after Brits failed to take his plea not to go to the pub and were still hitting the town throughout the week.

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Richmond Park filled up as people failed to keep a good distance between themselves and othersCredit: Rick Findler

Police were forced to step in to make sure Brits ignoring advice were taking the virus seriouslyCredit: Rick Findler

This group managed to carry out some beach yoga in Brighton, keeping well apart from each otherCredit: 2020 Stephen Lock / i-Images

Today London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I am clear, life has changed and we have to do things differently for a while now.

"Social interaction will spread the virus. Do shopping for elderly neighbours, only buy what you need."

He added: "There are instructions and rules we need to obey to stop people dying.

"Making sure there is no confusion or mixed messages, people should not be leaving their homes unless they have to, they can walk dogs or exercise, but mixing socially leads to more people dying."

It comes as six health experts warned Britain is losing a "very small window of opportunity" to help prevent the spread.

They fear the government needs to stop people moving from region to region to stem the explosion of coronavirus cases in the UK.

It comes as 244 Brits have died from the virus, with 5,132 infected with the killer bug.

Today letters to around 1.5million of Britain's most vulnerable have been sent out by the government - telling them to stay at home to save their lives.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed this morning thousands at risk of not recovering from coronavirus have officially been told to stay in for 12 weeks.

An appeal to ministers was signed by six professors, including Julian Peto, Nisreen Alwan, David McCoy, Helen Ward, Martin McKee and Elio Riboli.

'LOCK LONDON DOWN'

In a letter to The Times, they wrote: "Sir, the UK is losing a very small window of opportunity to minimise the disease burden from Covid-19 and prevent a health system collapse.

"We recognise the severe constraints on capacity for testing but, while that is being addressed, the government must implement social distancing, extensive case finding and contact tracing to reduce community spread to give time for the health system to prepare and cope.

"Hence we urge the government to enforce restrictions on movement between and within areas with high and low rates of infection, such as London, while ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are supported."

Earlier we told how doctors and NHS staff posted powerful pictures of their bruised faces after hours wearing protective gear to treat desperately ill coronavirus patients.

They shared the images after gruelling shifts taking care of the country as they battle against the killer bug.