Coronavirus UK: Thousands flout ‘no staying’ rules at seaside

Thousands of Britons flocked to beaches today to bask in 80F temperatures as police warned lockdown-breaking campers to keep away after many ignored no staying overnight rules amid fears of a second spike of coronavirus deaths. 

Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez warned people to ‘think twice’ before they ‘break the rules by staying overnight, parking illegally or driving dangerously’. It came after her officers sent illegal campers home from Newquay and six people were killed or badly injured on the roads over the past five days. 

Meanwhile, in the coastal town of Woolacombe in Devon, traffic wardens issued more than 70 tickets as all car parks were shut to keep away visitors. 

Local councillor Andrea Davis warned people to stay away: ‘Please note the car parks in Woolacombe are NOT open, the loos not open, the cafes not open,’ she said. ‘Please consider all these facts before visiting. Yesterday there was chaos..’

Her warnings were echoed by Duncan Dunbar, a 33-year-old highway worker from Wadebridge, Cornwall, who urged visitors to wait until after all lockdown measures are lifted: ‘We only have one hospital here and it’s small and struggles at the best of times,’ he said. ‘I’m worried about what will happen if there’s an outbreak.’

It came as new figures showed coronavirus is still infecting an estimated 61,000 people a week in England – although the true figure could be as high as 111,000. 

A major study has also found less than half of 19 to 30-year-olds are ‘strictly’ abiding by Britain’s lockdown rules, while among adults the figure has dropped from 70 per cent to under 60 per cent in the last fortnight. 

The findings are likely to spook Downing Street as Boris Johnson weighs up whether he can go ahead with the next stage of lockdown easing at the start of June. 

The Prime Minister has long insisted that rules can only be loosened if the rate of transmission of the deadly disease continues to fall. 

Number 10 is not willing to risk a second wave of coronavirus but today its plans to prevent another outbreak took a massive hit as ministers admitted an NHS coronavirus contact tracing app will not be ready by a June 1 deadline.

Security minister James Brokenshire could only say the software, which detects which users have been in contact with people who have tested positive for the disease, will be available nationwide in the ‘coming weeks’.  

Beaches remained busy today, including Southend in Essex (pictured) where the number of people packing the sand made social distancing difficult 

A group of women lay on towels to soak up the sun in Bournemouth as temperatures surged to 80F in London and other parts of southern England

A group of women lay on towels to soak up the sun in Bournemouth as temperatures surged to 80F in London and other parts of southern England

An aerial view of hundreds of people on the beach in Bournemouth today, as many took advantage of lockdown restrictions being loosened to allow sunbathing

An aerial view of hundreds of people on the beach in Bournemouth today, as many took advantage of lockdown restrictions being loosened to allow sunbathing 

In cities such as London, people headed to parks in their droves to make the most of the sunny weather today (pictured is St James' Park)

In cities such as London, people headed to parks in their droves to make the most of the sunny weather today (pictured is St James’ Park) 

Brighton beach was also busy visitors, as temperatures hovered around 75F through the afternoon amid the continuing heatwave

Brighton beach was also busy visitors, as temperatures hovered around 75F through the afternoon amid the continuing heatwave

Bournemouth was thronging with sun seekers this afternoon as the weather looked set to get cooler and wetter into the weekend

Bournemouth was thronging with sun seekers this afternoon as the weather looked set to get cooler and wetter into the weekend 

Friends socialise on the promenade on May 20, 2020 in Southend, Essex, as the highest temperatures of the year hit the UK

Friends socialise on the promenade on May 20, 2020 in Southend, Essex, as the highest temperatures of the year hit the UK

Campervans and cars were seen lining the streets of Woolacombe in Devon today as thousands of Britons made trips to the coast

Campervans and cars were seen lining the streets of Woolacombe in Devon today as thousands of Britons made trips to the coast 

The site of traffic filling up Woolacombe - pictured today - angered locals and led a councillor to declare that the town was 'not open'

The site of traffic filling up Woolacombe – pictured today – angered locals and led a councillor to declare that the town was ‘not open’  

Sussex Police joined their counterparts in Devon Cornwall today to warn people not to crowd beauty spots like Birling Gap in the east of the county

Sussex Police joined their counterparts in Devon Cornwall today to warn people not to crowd beauty spots like Birling Gap in the east of the county 

Coronavirus still infecting 61,000 people in England every week

The coronavirus is still infecting 61,000 people per week in England, testing data revealed today.

The true figure could be as high as 111,000 people every seven days or as low as 29,000, the data shows.

Around 0.25 per cent of the population is believed to be infected with the virus right now – around 137,500 people, with a possible range of 85,000 to 208,000 – and experts say the rate of infection is ‘relatively stable’.

This proportion has dropped by a tiny amount in the past week, from 0.27 per cent last Thursday, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

The government’s statistics body calculated the data using test results from 14,599 people in 7,054 households across the country. Only 35 people tested positive for COVID-19 when they were swabbed between May 4 and May 17.

Separate ONS data today revealed infection rates are not higher among health and care workers, despite results of a sample taken at an earlier date and published last week that showed they were six times more likely to be infected. 

The contact tracing app is viewed as an integral part of the Government’s planned ‘test, track and trace’ programme and experts do not believe the UK can return to normal life without the technology – currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight – being in place. 

But Mr Brokenshire today insisted a functioning contact tracing regime, using the 25,000 contact tracers recruited by the Government, can still be in place by the hard deadline set by Mr Johnson, with plans to bring back schools, shops and businesses hanging in the balance as the economy goes into meltdown. 

‘We’re confident the system will be there, able to track and trace around 10,000 people on 1 June,’ he said.   

NHS bosses have warned the programme, which will require people who have come into contact with someone with coronavirus to self-isolate, is being put together ‘very late in the day’ and the draconian lockdown cannot be loosened without a ‘clear implementation plan’. 

However, in more positive news for the Government, Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to announce this evening that NHS and care home staff will get access to coronavirus antibody tests from next week. 

The tests, previously hailed as a ‘game changer’ by Mr Johnson, show if someone has had coronavirus and may now have some level of immunity. Staff members who are tested will be monitored by scientists to see whether they fall ill again in order to assess the protection antibodies provide before a potential national roll out. 

In another day of twists and turns, it emerged: 

  • The coronavirus is still infecting an estimated 61,000 people per week in England, the Office of National Statistics said;
  • But the true figure could be as high as 111,000 people every seven days or as low as 29,000, the data shows;
  • Around 0.25 per cent of the population is believed to be infected with the virus right now – around 137,500 people;
  • Proportion has dropped by a tiny amount in the past week, from 0.27 per cent last Thursday, according to the Office for National Statistics;
  • Meanwhile, a study of 90,000 by University College London found less than half of 19- to 30-year-olds are abiding by all the terms of the lockdown;
  • Researchers said there had been a drop off in confidence in the Government since it switched its stance from ‘stay at home’ to the more ambiguous ‘stay alert’ on May 10. 

When Mr Johnson set out his lockdown exit strategy earlier this month he said Britons could now travel to parks and beaches for day trips with members of their household as long as they continue to adhere to social distancing rules. 

But scenes of tourists flocking to holiday hotspots have sparked a backlash today, with one man saying: ‘It’s madness, it’s like everyone’s forgotten about coronavirus.’ 

Cornwall council told day-trippers ‘it is not business as usual’ and added: ‘The pubs are not open, there’s nowhere to stay, go away’.

Cllr Rob Nolan, cabinet member for Environment and Business Protection, told MailOnline: ‘We are quite anxious in that Cornwall hasn’t been affected as much as other places by the coronavirus. We have been quite tough in enforcing restrictions, like closing hotels and closing campsites. Then suddenly the government said people can go out for day trips.

‘Fortunately our beaches are fairly long, but the problem is with parking, as there are so many people coming to the area and parking up small roads. We have decided to close the car parks, though we are taking no action on the beaches.

NHS and care home staff set to be offered antibody tests

NHS and care home staff will get access to coronavirus antibody tests from next week, ministers are expected to announce today.

Hundreds of thousands of frontline health workers will be offered the tests, which detect if someone has ever been infected with the disease.

The tests scour the blood for antibodies, produced by the immune system in response to COVID-19, which is thought to provide some immunity against reinfection.

With most viral infections, the presence of antibodies reduces or removes the risk of reinfection, but this has not yet been proven with coronavirus.

Experts say positive tests should not simply be seen as a ‘green light’ to reduce PPE or other protections for staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson or Health Secretary Matt Hancock will announce the news at Number 10’s press briefing tonight, according to the Guardian.

Priority will be given to frontline hospital staff in coronavirus specific wards, as well as ICU and A&E departments.

These staff members will be monitored by scientists to see whether they fall ill again and paint a clearer picture of the protection antibodies provide.

‘A major concern is that we do not have any lifeguards at the moment. We are worried about the Bank Holiday weekend and the half-term holidays. It is not business as usual. It is not safe to go into the water.

‘As the campsites are closed we have noticed camper vans out all over the place. I am glad to see the police clamping down on them.’ 

Meanwhile, the beach-front at Woolacombe was packed before 9am, with more cars and campervans pouring into the north Devon seaside village by the hour.

Mortehoe Parish Council today said that all car parks are currently closed after scores of people rushed to the area yesterday during the heatwave. 

In a joint statement with Parkin Estates, Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park, Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks and the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, the council said: ‘Measures are being investigated to allow visitors and locals to benefit from the sea and open spaces in Woolacombe. Social distancing and personal hygiene remain priorities.

‘We are grateful to the Police and Devon County Council for their help and support in dealing with the unprecedented numbers of illegal parking yesterday

‘We would love to welcome all visitors back but the changes to the lockdown are limited. It has not been lifted and we still have a long way to go. While this next phase feels significant, it is certainly not a return to normality.’  

Some visitors had spent the night at the coastal resort, with one surfer relaxing in his camper van this morning while another made himself breakfast. 

One resident told MailOnline: ‘There are even people staying over night. The government has told people they can go for day trips – not stay overnight! These people just don’t seem to care about anyone else.’ 

Another resident, a 32-year-old surfer, said: ‘Woolacombe is reeling from the aftermath of yesterday and today the beachfront parking is already full. 

‘The rubbish bins were already full by 9.30 am and people have even left bags of poo outside the public toilets because they are shut!

‘The village is closed. The red barn surf bar is closed. But tourists are wandering around the village complaining that everything is closed.’

They added: ‘It’s like they have forgotten we are in the middle of a pandemic!  

Visitors

Ruislip lido in London has an artificial beach on its banks, which was busy with locals today enjoying a coastal experience despite being miles away from the sea 

Sun-bathers in Kensington Gardens in West London, where temperatures hovered around a sweltering 80F this afternoon

Sun-bathers in Kensington Gardens in West London, where temperatures hovered around a sweltering 80F this afternoon 

Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather today at Brighton beach, as people flocked to parks and coastal area after lockdown measures were eased

Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather today at Brighton beach, as people flocked to parks and coastal area after lockdown measures were eased

Crowds in Bournemouth soaked up the sun today as dry conditions looked set to continue tomorrow before rain on the weekend

Crowds in Bournemouth soaked up the sun today as dry conditions looked set to continue tomorrow before rain on the weekend 

Large numbers of people sat in the sun or swam in the water in Southend today, as workers across the UK began to return to work

Large numbers of people sat in the sun or swam in the water in Southend today, as workers across the UK began to return to work 

The promenade in Brighton was thronging with visitors today. Scientists believe there is little chance of catching coronavirus outside if people stay six feet apart

The promenade in Brighton was thronging with visitors today. Scientists believe there is little chance of catching coronavirus outside if people stay six feet apart 

A takeaway ice cream shop in Southend was doing a steady trade today, although a line was marked on the ground to warn people to keep their distance

A takeaway ice cream shop in Southend was doing a steady trade today, although a line was marked on the ground to warn people to keep their distance 

Two people drink beers while sitting on Southend beach in Essex today, where hundreds of people enjoyed the sun on towels and deckchairs

Two people drink beers while sitting on Southend beach in Essex today, where hundreds of people enjoyed the sun on towels and deckchairs 

The busy promenade in Southend today, where people took advantage of looser lockdown restrictions allowing people to go outside to sunbathe

The busy promenade in Southend today, where people took advantage of looser lockdown restrictions allowing people to go outside to sunbathe 

A family of five were seen camping in a field in Polzeath, Cornwall today. They arrived in a Fiat Ducato motorhome and had with them a range of camping equipment including deck chairs and a table

A family of five were seen camping in a field in Polzeath, Cornwall today. They arrived in a Fiat Ducato motorhome and had with them a range of camping equipment including deck chairs and a table 

A beachgoer juggles three ice creams as he walks across the sand in Southend today as Britain basked in balmy temperatures

A beachgoer juggles three ice creams as he walks across the sand in Southend today as Britain basked in balmy temperatures 

A family took to a longboard off Southend beach today while others stayed on land and soaked up the warmth

A family took to a longboard off Southend beach today while others stayed on land and soaked up the warmth 

Ministers admit contact tracing app will not be ready by June 1 deadline

Ministers today admitted a crucial coronavirus smartphone app will not be ready by June 1 as NHS chiefs warned ‘time is running out’ to launch a track-and-trace system to avoid a second deadly wave.

Security minister James Brokenshire said the software, which detects which users have been in contact with people who test positive for the disease, would be ready in the ‘coming weeks’.

But he insisted the contact tracing regime can still be in place by the hard deadline set by Boris Johnson, with plans to bring back schools, shops and businesses hanging in the balance as the economy goes into meltdown.  

The PM has hailed a 25,000-strong army of trackers recruited to identify the contacts of infected victims and prevent outbreaks. Similar schemes have controlled outbreaks in countries such as South Korea and Taiwan. 

But Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation – which represents organisations across the healthcare sector – warned the system was being put together ‘very late in the day’ and the draconian lockdown cannot be loosened without a ‘clear implementation plan’. 

Although Mr Johnson’s determination to launch the tracking system by June 1 was ‘very much welcome’, he added: ‘I think it is being done very late in the day and we really do need to get on with this.’

The new app has been tested on the Isle of Wight but its rollout has been delayed for weeks because of security flaws and failure to work on all types of smartphone. 

Cllr Andrea Davis of Devon County Council described yesterday down in Woolacombe as ‘very very dangerous’ as the beach descended into ‘absolute chaos’.

Speaking to MailOnline today, she said the council issued over 70 tickets because of illegal parking and pleaded with day-trippers not to sleep in camper vans overnight.

‘The police have been going out to people today who were sleeping over here and in Cornwall overnight when they shouldn’t have been,’ she said. 

‘Second home owners should not be staying at their second homes, and day-trippers should not be sleeping in camper vans (at night) because these are against the rules.

‘I realise that people have been stuck indoors for so long now, but yesterday was absolute chaos and it became very very dangerous. We issued over 70 tickets because people had parked their cars illegally and people were not able to follow social distancing rules.

‘The rules are all there to protect everybody. If you don’t want a fine, don’t go out. The rules are really that simple.’

There was anger from locals in the Lizard in Cornwall today that some visitors set up tents and stayed overnight in vans in ‘blatant disregard’ to public safety. 

Locals say several tents and vans have been found staying overnight at various spots around the village and nearby Kynance.

It included sightings of tents at Pistol Meadow, near the former wireless station and at Pentreath, with vans also seen staying overnight in the National Trust car park for the lighthouse and on land adjoining the Kynance car park.  

Tourists flouting the rules against staying overnight were given the early-morning wake-up by police in Newquay and sent packing amid growing anger at the 'selfishness' of visitors

Tourists flouting the rules against staying overnight were given the early-morning wake-up by police in Newquay and sent packing amid growing anger at the ‘selfishness’ of visitors

Officers took direct action against campers this morning after beaches across the UK were packed yesterday - causing chaos on the roads and making social distancing difficult

Officers took direct action against campers this morning after beaches across the UK were packed yesterday – causing chaos on the roads and making social distancing difficult

Although police are powerless to stop people travelling to the seaside under current government guidelines, they can use their powers to ensure people don't stay

Although police are powerless to stop people travelling to the seaside under current government guidelines, they can use their powers to ensure people don’t stay 

Newquay police said 'we identified some visitors that had travelled to Newquay and stayed overnight against PHE advice and legislation. With engagement, explanation & education they moved on. We love visitors to the town, #comebacklater'

Newquay police said ‘we identified some visitors that had travelled to Newquay and stayed overnight against PHE advice and legislation. With engagement, explanation & education they moved on. We love visitors to the town, #comebacklater’ 

A group of men drinking on the promenade by Bournemouth beach, which was packed with thousands of visitors yesterday

A group of men drinking on the promenade by Bournemouth beach, which was packed with thousands of visitors yesterday 

Janice Thirlaway-Price said many residents were angry at the apparent flouting of government lockdown rules, which continue to ban overnight stays even after the easing of some measures last Wednesday.

She said: ‘The main thing thing is the blatant disregard of government guidelines and lack of consideration for our community.

‘There are no facilities open, so nowhere to go to the toilet for ten miles – Tesco or Sainsbury’s – which leads to the dangers of human waste in and around the footpaths local people are using for their daily exercise.’ 

She added that such actions potentially added an extra drain on emergency services and pointed out that beaches were not currently being patrolled, which could cause problems for people unaware of the dangers of currents and tides. 

‘There is the increased risk of spreading Covid-19 and the impact it will have on Treliske and our local doctors,’ she said. ‘Various footpaths around the village make it impossible to maintain a two metre distance.’

The National Trust said that people should not be staying overnight on National Trust land at any time, and particularly now in light of the coronavirus rules.

A spokesperson said: ‘People shouldn’t be doing that anyway, let alone on National Trust Land, and anyone seeing it should be alerting their local police on 101.’ 

In Brighton, locals complained of camper vans being parked overnight, prompting outrage and disbelief that people are continually flouting lockdown rules.

One person said that day-trippers stayed overnight and then rushed down to Brighton seaside this morning, writing on social media: ‘Where I parked up in Brighton last night, I had three camper vans behind me & two caravans. 

‘I went to bed around 12 & they were still there, but woke up this morning and the caravans had gone. All of the said vehicles had children in. 

‘Looks like they will be heading to the beach, whilst I am working. Surely people aren’t that thick, that they don’t know the rules.’ 

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

Police today urged campers not to stay at beauty spots overnight after thousands broke lockdown rules yesterday. Pictured are people drinking into the night on Bournemouth beach yesterday. Two men were seen fighting on the sand and several couples were making out in front of friends on the sand, while others were feeling worse for wear after a day in the sun

Police today urged campers not to stay at beauty spots overnight after thousands broke lockdown rules yesterday. Pictured are people drinking into the night on Bournemouth beach yesterday. Two men were seen fighting on the sand and several couples were making out in front of friends on the sand, while others were feeling worse for wear after a day in the sun 

People drinking into the night on Bournemouth beach. Two men were seen fighting on the sand and several couples were making out in front of friends on the sand, while others were feeling worse for wear after a day in the sun

People drinking into the night on Bournemouth beach. Two men were seen fighting on the sand and several couples were making out in front of friends on the sand, while others were feeling worse for wear after a day in the sun

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

Images from last night have emerged of large numbers of friends and family members all eating and drinking together well into the evening down on the beach at Bournemouth

A Brighton local complained of camper vans parked overnight after scores of people rushed to the seaside yesterday

A Brighton local complained of camper vans parked overnight after scores of people rushed to the seaside yesterday

 

 

Cllr Andrea Davis of Devon County Council, tweeted: 'Please note the car parks in Woolacombe are NOT open, the loos not open, the cafes not open'

Cllr Andrea Davis of Devon County Council, tweeted: ‘Please note the car parks in Woolacombe are NOT open, the loos not open, the cafes not open’

A camper van was spotted parked up on the side roads around the sandbanks of Poole, Dorset

A camper van was spotted parked up on the side roads around the sandbanks of Poole, Dorset 

A camper van was spotted parked up on the side roads around the sandbanks of Poole, Dorset

A camper van was spotted parked up on the side roads around the sandbanks of Poole, Dorset

Sandbanks - pictured - is known as one of the most exclusive areas of housing in the country, with residents including pop stars and former footballers

Sandbanks – pictured – is known as one of the most exclusive areas of housing in the country, with residents including pop stars and former footballers 

Caravans, vans and cars parked around Sandbanks harbour in Dorset today, as people flocked to the coast after lockdown rules were eased to allow sunbathing

Caravans, vans and cars parked around Sandbanks harbour in Dorset today, as people flocked to the coast after lockdown rules were eased to allow sunbathing 

People living near coastal resorts on England's south coast, including Sandbanks, (pictured) have been concerned with the sudden increase in crowds

People living near coastal resorts on England’s south coast, including Sandbanks, (pictured) have been concerned with the sudden increase in crowds 

Camper vans were seen today parked on side rounds surrounding the exclusive Sandbanks community in Poole, Dorset

Camper vans were seen today parked on side rounds surrounding the exclusive Sandbanks community in Poole, Dorset 

Brighton and Hove Council pleaded with people not to come to the city because Boris Johnson’s eased lockdown rules are ‘having an impact quite quickly’.

A spokesman told MailOnline that the central part of the beach in Brighton will be cordoned off from the weekend ‘for public safety’.

They said the government’s new guidelines on social distancing, including driving to parks, beaches and beauty spots, were posing a ‘challenge’. 

Cllr Carmen Appich said people are being discouraged from visiting to prevent going ‘back to square one’ in the coronavirus crisis.

The chair of the Tourism, Equalities and Culture Committee told MailOnline ‘it is in everyone’s best interest’ not to visit Brighton amid fears that ‘overcrowding… increases the risk of a Covid outbreak and puts everyone at risk’.

She explained: ‘We do not want to go back to square one and find ourselves having to face more stringent and longer-term measures if coronavirus cases go up.

‘We are discouraging people from visiting the city at this time, not because we don’t want or value our visitors but because it is in everyone’s best interest.’ 

In Nottingham, people walking in Colwick Country Park today complained of an ‘appalling amount of rubbish’ include two BBQ trays lying near geese and goslings. 

 This morning, Dr Hilary Jones of Good Morning Britain (GMB) slammed lockdown flouters as ‘making a mockery’ of procedures to stop the spread of coronavirus. 

He said: ‘How, if you test positive for Covid-19, and a contact tracer says ‘where have you been in the last few days’ and you say ‘I was on the beach in Bournemouth or Southend-on-Sea amongst those crowds, who do you know who was next to you?

‘You can’t possibly trace people, and that’s the problem isn’t it? 

‘So when people start flouting social distancing rules, and we go out and lockdown in this kind of way, you can’t trace those people.’   

Meanwhile, authorities in Cumbria have told day-trippers to ‘put off’ visiting the area at the moment as they say ‘the Lake District isn’t going anywhere’.    

A Nottingham local complained of the 'appalling amount of rubbish at Colwick Country Park' this morning

A Nottingham local complained of the ‘appalling amount of rubbish at Colwick Country Park’ this morning

Waste was strewn across Britain's parks last night and this morning after Britons flocked to beauty spots for day-drinking

Waste was strewn across Britain’s parks last night and this morning after Britons flocked to beauty spots for day-drinking

One resident complained of picking up trash after rubbish bags full of cans of beers were flung across the park

One resident complained of picking up trash after rubbish bags full of cans of beers were flung across the park

 

 

The police kept an eye on people who were drinking most of the afternoon and into the evening, though lots of empty booze bottles were strewn across Wandsworth Common in south-west London after a day of drinking

The police kept an eye on people who were drinking most of the afternoon and into the evening, though lots of empty booze bottles were strewn across Wandsworth Common in south-west London after a day of drinking

Waste was scattered across parks in London and Nottingham and beaches last night, causing residents to get their hands dirty and move much of the rubbish along

Waste was scattered across parks in London and Nottingham and beaches last night, causing residents to get their hands dirty and move much of the rubbish along

People drinking into the night on Wandsworth Common. The police kept an eye on people who were drinking most of the afternoon and into the evening, though lots of empty booze bottles were strewn across the common

People drinking into the night on Wandsworth Common. The police kept an eye on people who were drinking most of the afternoon and into the evening, though lots of empty booze bottles were strewn across the common

Cumbria’s multi-agency Local Resilience Forum has asked people to ‘please show respect, consider the lack of facilities and that overnight stays are not allowed at the moment’.

They have warned that the area is ‘not quite ready for visitors to return in their usual numbers’ ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and half-term holidays.  

While the overall number of visitors to Cumbria was low, some ‘hotspot’ areas in Windermere, Ambleside and Glenridding were busy, as were locations popular with motorcyclists such as Alston and Devil’s Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale.

People are being encouraged to avoid these spots if possible to reduce the risk associated with large groups and ensure that social distancing rules can be maintained.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: ‘I continue to urge people to keep their Lake District plans on hold as we grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the county.

‘I understand that people may feel their individual visit won’t cause a problem, but when thousands of people have the same idea then that has the potential to create genuine issues. Staying at home as much as possible and exercising locally remains my advice.’

Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Lead for the Strategic Coordinating Group within Cumbria’s Local Resilience Forum, said: ‘It was really good to see that most people followed our advice and postponed their visit last weekend.

‘It was much appreciated by all in Cumbria. Our partners are working hard and putting plans in place to get ready for visitors coming back when it’s safe to do so, but we are not there yet.’   

Visitors flock to Durdle Door in Dorset on a scorching day with sunbathers packed together, despite social distancing rules

Visitors flock to Durdle Door in Dorset on a scorching day with sunbathers packed together, despite social distancing rules

Faye Faybourne, 17 (left), and Daisy Sloane, 16, in Tynemouth yesterday, as people flocked to parks and beaches amid 82F temperatures and eased lockdown restrictions

Faye Faybourne, 17 (left), and Daisy Sloane, 16, in Tynemouth yesterday, as people flocked to parks and beaches amid 82F temperatures and eased lockdown restrictions  

Southend beach was absolutely packed this afternoon as sun-worshipping Britons turned out to soak up the rays on what is predicted to be the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office

Southend beach was absolutely packed this afternoon as sun-worshipping Britons turned out to soak up the rays on what is predicted to be the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office

Sorrell Vince, 23 (right) from Northampton and Bethany Heatley (left) from Preston enjoying the sun on Cullercoats Beach, Tynemouth yesterday

Sorrell Vince, 23 (right) from Northampton and Bethany Heatley (left) from Preston enjoying the sun on Cullercoats Beach, Tynemouth yesterday

Yesterday, car parks were crammed as sun worshippers visited Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, as parking restrictions were lifted in many areas several days ago, while vehicles clogged up country lanes at a popular tourist spot in 

Devon and Cornwall Police said traffic was ‘exceptionally busy’ yesterday, with officers reporting that every set of double yellow lines across a mile stretch of beach had been parked on as several car parks were closed to control numbers. 

There were reports some traffic wardens had even run out of tickets. 

Pictures of tourists flocking to beaches and lying close to one another in Southend, Bournemouth, Margate and Brighton sparked backlash, with one man saying: ‘It’s madness, it’s like everyone’s forgotten about coronavirus.’ 

Meanwhile, in Wales the government said the country was closed to all holidaymakers – including campers taking advantage of the hot weather.

Campsites in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye would be full this week for the start of the annual literature festival, now being held digitally.

One owner said: ‘We would be heaving normally but are closed and staying closed until told differently. We had inquiries after Boris seemed to relax things and again now the hot weather has arrived.’ 

The site owner warned holidaymakers that camping is about to get a lot more expensive. 

‘We will have to bring in extra cleaning staff and we are looking into providing masks,’ she said. ‘When people are allowed to come here camping again we went them to do so with confidence.’

The Met Office is forecasting a change in weather from today which will see temperatures drip a little from the 82F recorded in parts of the country.

Nicola Maxey of the Met Office told MailOnline:  ‘Tomorrow we’ll start seeing with this low-pressure system travelling up from the Atlantic some bands of cloud and rain from the west, pushing eastwards across west and north-west Scotland and affecting potentially parts of north-west England. 

‘But it sort of weakens and fragments as it pushes across country. 

‘We are going to see showers and isolated thunderstorms possibly in the south-east where it stays warm, which makes the air a little bit unstable and there may be a chance you see the odd thunderstorm.’ 

Roads and car parks were crammed full as parking restrictions were lifted several days ago and thousands of people flocked to Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, on the hottest day of the year so far

Roads and car parks were crammed full as parking restrictions were lifted several days ago and thousands of people flocked to Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, on the hottest day of the year so far 

Residents and tourists enjoy the warm weather hitting Kent as Britain is set for the hottest day of the year so far. Sun seekers flocked to Margate to soak up the rays on Wednesday with surrounding roads packed with cars

Residents and tourists enjoy the warm weather hitting Kent as Britain is set for the hottest day of the year so far. Sun seekers flocked to Margate to soak up the rays on Wednesday with surrounding roads packed with cars 

These three women enjoyed the sun as they lounged with drinks on Primrose Hill in London on Wednesday, with sun-seekers all over the country taking advantage of Boris Johnson's easing of restrictions

These three women enjoyed the sun as they lounged with drinks on Primrose Hill in London on Wednesday, with sun-seekers all over the country taking advantage of Boris Johnson’s easing of restrictions

People soak up the rays at Bournemouth beach in Dorset, as Britons flock to parks and beaches as lockdown is eased

People soak up the rays at Bournemouth beach in Dorset, as Britons flock to parks and beaches as lockdown is eased

Hundreds of people took day trips to Southend as the temperatures hit 27 degrees on Wednesday after parking restrictions were lifted

Hundreds of people took day trips to Southend as the temperatures hit 27 degrees on Wednesday after parking restrictions were lifted

Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather in Hyde Park, London, as easing of the coronavirus lockdown continues. There is a risk of thunderstorms later today in east and south-east England

Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather in Hyde Park, London, as easing of the coronavirus lockdown continues. There is a risk of thunderstorms later today in east and south-east England

People enjoy the sunshine in Broadway Market, Hackney, north east London on Wednesday, on what was the hottest day of the year so far

People enjoy the sunshine in Broadway Market, Hackney, north east London on Wednesday, on what was the hottest day of the year so far

Broadway Market in Hackney, north east London was packed on Wednesday, as people flocked to parks and shops to enjoy the sunshine

Broadway Market in Hackney, north east London was packed on Wednesday, as people flocked to parks and shops to enjoy the sunshine

Tourists and residents queuing while waiting to get into a Tesco Express at Sandbanks beach in Dorset, appearing not to adhere to social distancing rules and standing closer than 6.5ft (2m) apart

Tourists and residents queuing while waiting to get into a Tesco Express at Sandbanks beach in Dorset, appearing not to adhere to social distancing rules and standing closer than 6.5ft (2m) apart

People sat close together on a busy Sandbanks beach in Dorset on Wednesday, as beach goers appear to ignore social distancing rules

People sat close together on a busy Sandbanks beach in Dorset on Wednesday, as beach goers appear to ignore social distancing rules

People sunbathe on a beach in Brighton on Wednesday, as lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, allowing unlimited outdoor exercise and activities such as sunbathing

People sunbathe on a beach in Brighton on Wednesday, as lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, allowing unlimited outdoor exercise and activities such as sunbathing

Britons flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset with many seen sitting close together, despite social distancing guidelines still in force as the coronavirus lockdown is gradually eased

Britons flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset with many seen sitting close together, despite social distancing guidelines still in force as the coronavirus lockdown is gradually eased 

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