Accosted over a Costa: Park-goer gives takeaway coffee cup-carrying Boris Johnson a piece of his mind – as Prime Minister pleads with Brits to stay at home during last days of lockdown
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Boris Johnson today pleaded with Britons to stay at home during the last days of full lockdown, as he warned that venturing outside during the sunny weather could ‘undo everything that’s been done so far’.
But he faced accusations of mixed messaging amid briefings the lockdown is set to be relaxed on Monday, with Britons allowed to exercise more than once a day.
The PM did little to dispel the impression that Britain was ‘back to work’ by strolling through St James’ Park this morning carrying that commuter staple, a Costa coffee cup.
This prompted a passer-by to accost Mr Johnson an apparently give him a piece of his mind, with a photo showing him pointing a finger at the dumbfounded PM as a smiling woman looked on.
It came amid signs that thousands of Britons were ignoring the leader’s call to stay indoors, with parks packed with sun-seekers enjoying the hottest day of the year.
A member of the public stopped to give British Prime Minister Boris Johnson a talking to as he took a morning walk through St James’s Park, London today
The Prime Minister has been pictured several times this week walking with coffee cups in his hand in ‘back to work’ mode
Johnson’s walks in the park in a bid to send a ‘back to business’ message to Britain’s workers
The Prime Minister was pictured several days this week venturing outside with a coffee cup in true commuter style.
He is expected to announce some easing of the coronavirus lockdown measures tomorrow night.
He will address the UK and set out his lockdown exit plan, with a particular focus on outdoor activities due to the reduced rate of transmission outdoors compared to indoors.
The new rules will see people being encouraged to cycle to work where possible, companies told to provide face masks for staff and garden centres reopening on Wednesday.
In addition, passengers arriving at UK ports and airports from all countries except Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will have to self-isolate for two weeks and must fill in a digital form telling officials where they intend to do so.
Addressing his Cabinet last week, he said he would be proceeding with ‘maximum caution’ to avoid a second wave of infection to the population.
The long-anticipated lockdown easing ‘road map’ is expected to set out ‘milestones’ for easing the measures but polls suggest the government may struggle to persuade the public to return to work.
A survey conducted by YouGov between May 7-8 found some 75 per cent said it would be wrong to lift the lockdown now.
Cyclists were out in their droves on the Mall in London today amid signs some lockdown restrictions – including those concerning exercise – could be softened
Visitors enjoying views of the skyscrapers in the City of London today from a closed off viewing area in Greenwich Park, London
The Prime Minister was first pictured with his takeaway coffee arriving at Downing Street on Monday
On Sunday afternoon Boris Johnson is expected to reveal his long-anticipated ‘road map’ for leaving lockdown. Prime Minister pictured again on Wednesday with another cup of Costa coffee