A POLICE chief has fired off a warning to those who disobey quarantine laws.
Andrew Slattery, Assistant Chief Constable of Cumbria, also urged businesses to consider whether their work was “really essential”.
He said the measures were in place “to protect the NHS and our most vulnerable members”.
Mr Slattery urged people to follow the rules and said social distancing “will save lives”.
And he said officers would take action against those “wilfully ignoring” the rules.
He added: “We are all living in a national health emergency and are all in this together.
“I would ask anybody running a business at the moment to consider whether it is really essential in the national effort to fight this virus.
“If it is not, then I’d ask that they consider closing for the next three weeks to protect their workforce and the public from the spread of the virus.”
Rule-breakers included a tourist driving a motorhome in North Devon and a dad giving his daughter her first driving lesson in Prestatyn, North Wales.
Many Brits were seen on the beaches in Brighton as the government has mandated to only leave house for essential travel.
In London, joggers and dog walkers crowded Battersea Park despite social distancing rules to stay at least six feet apart from one another.
The UK coronavirus death toll has risen to 1,019 after 260 people died in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 17,089 in Britain who have tested positive for Covid-19.
And government advisers have suggested “greater enforcement” of social distancing policies could be needed if the numbers continue to rise.
In the UK, current social distancing rules state people should only leave the house for groceries, medical care, travel to work or a bout of daily exercise – while keeping two metres from other people at all times.
Cops have been enforcing the lockdown with road blocks, drones and helicopters, as well as fining anyone £60 if they choose to break the rules.
They are patrolling public spaces such as parks, towns and train stations to ensure the rules are being stuck to.
