Coronavirus: Doctors in plea for social distancing as Matt Hancock warns beaches could close

Government will take action if cases spike, says health secretary

Doctors have pleaded with people planning holidays to observe social distancing rules as Matt Hancock warned that the government could close down public spaces if necessary.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has set out guidelines for people in England, who will be allowed to visit hotels, bed and breakfast facilities and campsites from 4 July.

The plea came after a major incident was declared as thousands crammed on Bournemouth beach and other stretches of the Dorset coast on the hottest day of the year so far.

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told TalkRadio on Thursday that the government had the power to close public spaces if social distancing restrictions were not observed.

Mr Hancock said he was “reluctant” to close down public spaces as “people have had a pretty tough lockdown”.

He continued, however “the virus doesn’t respect the fact that it’s a hot summer’s day”, before urging the public to practise social distancing or risk stricter lockdown measures.

“If we see a spike in the number of cases, we will take action.”

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, later urged people to follow social distancing rules or risk causing a rise in cases.

He wrote on Twitter: “Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.

”If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again."

A major incident was declared after thousands flocked to Bournemouth beach and other stretches of the Dorset coast (AFP/Getty)

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said extra police patrols had to be brought in following the “irresponsible” behaviour of crowds who gridlocked roads, dumped rubbish, abused refuse collectors and parked illegally.

Council leader Vikki Slade urged the public: “Please do not come. We are not able to welcome you yet.”

Ahead of the reopening of the tourism sector, the BMA has advised people not to travel if they are ill or have any Covid-19 symptoms, including a cough, temperature or loss of smell or taste.

The doctors' union has also said holidaymakers should be prepared to self-isolate for 14 days if anyone in their “bubble” develops symptoms or is told to do so by the NHS Test and Trace service.

Those who take prescribed medicines should make sure they have enough to last their trip and everyone should practise social distancing and hand washing on holiday.

The BMA has also encouraged people to wear a face covering when mixing with people from outside their “bubble” indoors.

Dr Peter English, chair of the BMA public health medicine committee, called on tourism providers and local authorities to consider how they can help mitigate the risk of the virus spreading and urged holidaymakers to act with “extreme caution”.

Dr Lucy-Jane Davis, chair of the BMA south west regional council, stressed that tourism hotspots in the region have limited NHS resources compared with the number of visitors anticipated.

She said it is “vital” that politicians, tourism operators and NHS leaders consider all the risks before 4 July, and that an effective contact-tracing system is in place before then.

Additional reporting by Press Association