HUNDREDS of people have flocked to the seafront today despite the government advising the public to practise social distancing in a desperate attempt to control the spread of COVID-19.

Hove seafront was packed with people trying to make the most of the sunshine this afternoon.

But the actions of beachgoers go against the advice of health authorities who have told people to exercise "social distancing”.

“Social distancing is important because COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person,” government advice reads.

>> OFFICIAL ADVICE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING HERE

The Argus:

“So, the more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.”

While social distancing in public, Brits have been advised to sanitise their hands, make cashless transactions, travel at quiet times and avoid crowds.

>> CORONAVIRUS LATEST HERE

Social distancing measures also include sitting in the back of a taxi and staying 1.5 metres apart.

The measures came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could “turn the tide” on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks.

Schools closed on Friday until further notice - except for vulnerable children and those with a parent identified as a key worker.

More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return to work in the NHS to help tackle the outbreak.

And the chancellor is set to announce a wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.