GOVERNMENT orders to stay at home resonated with residents on day three of the UK lockdown.

Streets in towns across Sussex have been empty since Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people on Monday evening to remain in their homes unless it was essential to leave.

He imposed these measures to enforce social distancing and prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the UK.

Last week he advised people to stay indoors and minimise human contact wherever possible, but hundreds ignore his words and descended on Brighton and Hove seafront over the weekend.

So, on Monday, he announced police would be given additional powers to fine people who had left their house unnecessarily and to disperse groups of more than two.

Less than 24 hours after the order was put in place, officers were seen using these additional powers to separate a group of eight people gathered on Hove seafront.

By Wednesday it appeared the Government’s new, more stringent restrictions had taken effect.

Patrolling police officers reported Lewes, Worthing, Peacehaven, Newhaven and Saltdean town centres were deserted and shops only allowed limited numbers of customers into their stores.

In Worthing town centre, two shoppers pushing trolleys greeted each other from a safe distance before moving on. Both were wearing masks. Popular Brighton shopping streets and the city’s railway station, were also devoid of people as residents did their bit to fight the coronavirus pandemic.