Many were seen enjoying beers outside and sun bathing – things the government has said is not considered an essential reason to leave the house.

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning warned a total ban on outdoor exercise could come into force if people continue to ignore the lockdown measures.

Police were seen speaking to groups of people flouting social distancing measures on Primrose Hill in London this morning.

Sun bathers were also seen getting a warning from officers as many hoped to take advantage of this weekend's warm temperatures.

A group of men in Hull were seen ignoring social distancing as they drank beer together at table outside.

Joggers and cyclists struggled to keep the recommended two metres apart while trying to exercise along a canal in Manchester today.

This weekend, hundreds have flocked to parks and beaches to enjoy the warm sunshine, despite the government's pleas to stay home.

The number of deaths rose by 700 yesterday – the highest amount since the crisis began.

The Heath Secretary reminded those who flouting the lockdown rules that they were risking lives.

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Mr Hancock told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show today: "We've said because of the positive benefits to your physical and your mental health that it's OK to exercise on your own or with members of your own household.

"But if the result of that is that too many people go out and flout the other rules because they say 'well if I can exercise then it's fine for me to do other things' then I'm afraid we will have to take action.

"If you don't want us to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside the home, you have got to follow the rules.

"Let's not have a minority spoiling it for everybody."

And he told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday this morning: "To the very small minority who are continuing to flout the guidance – you are putting others lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harms way."

He said it was "quite unbelievable" that some were openly ignoring the advice to only go outside for just four reasons – exercise, work, fetching medicine or food, or taking care of the vulnerable.

"We are crystal clear in the guidance what people should or shouldn't do," he stressed.

"This is not a request, it's a requirement.

"People need to follow it."

The ignorant sunbathers ignored warnings from Britain's chief nurse on Friday afternoon, who begged them to listen.

Ruth May urged them to do it for the two nurses, both mothers, who lost their lives in the Covid-19 fight this week.

Aimee O’Rourke, 38, and Areema Nasreen, 36, sadly passed away after treating coronavirus patients on the frontline.

Two other healthcare assistants have also died in the last 24 hours – with nine medics now killed by the virus.

Boris Johnson also stressed to the public they must avoid the temptation of enjoying the good weather this weekend.

He said today: "Thank you to everyone who is saving lives by staying at home this weekend.

"I know it's tough, but if we all work together and follow the guidance, we will beat coronavirus."

Britain is set for temperatures of 20 degrees today, as Brits continue to flout the rules to get out and enjoy the good weather.

Yesterday Brockwell Park in London said it would close after 3,000 people "ignored" the rules.

Cassiobury Park in Watford is also closed after hundreds chose to head for a picnic in the sun rather than obey government guidelines, as well as Lundersten Bay in Scotland.

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