SPRING has sprung in the UK and on these increasingly warm days it's all too tempting to spend the extra time we have on our hands sunbathing.
But with the Government introducing tough new rules on when we can leave the house to avoid the spread of coronavirus you could now be fined for soaking up the sun. Here's everything we know.
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Is sunbathing in public allowed during lockdown?
No, public sunbathing in parks is against the UK government's strict coronavirus restrictions which only allow people to leave their homes for four reasons:
- Travel to and from work for key workers only
- Shopping for basic necessities, but as infrequently as possible
- Taking one form of exercise a day, alone or with members of your household, such as walking, running or cycling
- Going to a medical appointment or providing care to a vulnerable person.
If you're lucky enough to have a garden that catches the sun then you are allowed to sunbathe, but friends and family who don't live in your household aren't allowed to join you.
Am I allowed to visit parks?
Yes, most parks are still open but playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment is closed to stop the spread of the virus.
Picnics and any other gatherings of more than two people who don't live in the same household are banned.
But you are allowed to go to a park to jog, walk or cycle.
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Some parks have been forced to close as people continue to flout social distancing rules.
Brockwell Park was the latest to close from April 6, 2020 after 3,000 people descended on the green space over the weekend.
Hammersmith and Fulham council closed all parks in the borough from March 22.
What has the Government said about sunbathing?
The Government has warned people sunbathing is forbidden under strict coronavirus rules.
Heath Secretary Matt Hancock reminded Brits they are allowed to leave the house to exercise but sunbathing (even while following social distancing rules) is banned.
"Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons," told Sky News.
"I wish I didn't have to say this, but I do because the whole country wants to come through this crisis as quickly as possible and the fastest way to come through the crisis, and save lives and protect the NHS is… to follow the guidance and stay at home unless you've got one of the four reasons we've set out."
Mr Hancock said the Government was allowing people to exercise outside on their own or with members of their household because of "the positive benefits to your physical and your mental health", but he flagged further restrictions if people broke the rules.
"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," he said.
"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."
Can I be fined for sunbathing?
Yes, police have the power to enforce social distancing rules by issuing fines and dispersing gatherings of people in public places.
Fines for refusing to stay indoors are £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days.
If you are caught a second time you will be fined £120 and each time you do it again your fine will be doubled.
If police suspect you of having coronavirus and see you outside they can force you into self isolation and people who refuse can be fined up to £1,000.
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