Exercise out of the home 'could be banned' if people ignore rules: UK govt

Exercise outside the home could be banned if people ignore coronavirus social distancing rules, the health secretary of the UK has warned.

Matt Hancock said that the government would "take action" if needed to control the virus, reports BBC.

It comes after reports of groups of people gathering in parks during sunny weather this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said there were a further 621 deaths linked to coronavirus in the UK.

These latest deaths bring the total in the UK to 4,934, including 12 more in Wales, seven in Northern Ireland and two in Scotland.

As of 09:00 BST on Sunday, 47,806 people had tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Health said.

Mr Hancock said: "If you don't want us to have to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside of your own home, then you've got to follow the rules."

The health secretary said the vast majority were sticking to the guidelines, adding: "Let's not have a minority spoil it for everybody."

He said the timing of restrictions being lifted would depend on how people behave, adding that "the more people stay at home the less the virus will spread".

Speaking to Sky's Sophy Ridge earlier, Mr Hancock said sunbathing in public spaces was against the government's coronavirus social distancing rules.