POLICE officers patrolling along a promenade are moving people along.

Officers on Brighton and Hove seafront have been seen talking to passersby and urging those sitting on benches and spending time on the beach to continue walking.

These measures are being taken in an attempt to encourage social distancing and stop people passing on coronavirus to others, minimising the spread of the illness.

The Argus:

Divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, chief superintendent Nick May, said it was "great to see the work being done by the teams at Brighton and Hove Police". 

He added that the force aimed to "engage, explain, encourage, and if necessary, enforce" in their approach to ensuring social distancing rules were being followed. 

>>>READ MORE: Keep up-to-date with all the latest coronavirus news in Sussex here

The Argus:

This action follows an announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday evening in which he revealed that police would be given additional powers to disperse groups of more than two in public places and encourage people to stay at home unless making an essential trip.

These include visits to shops to buy food or pick up medication, as well as one daily bout of exercise.

The Prime Minister revealed this morning that he has contracted coronavirus after developing "mild symptoms".

The Argus:

He said: "I have a temperature and a mild cough.

"I'm working from home and self-isolating and that's entirely the right thing to do. 

"But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with my top team to lead the national fightback against the coronavirus."

The Argus:

Those who defy the Government's new restrictions on movement could be hit with a £60 fine initially and £120 for a second offence reaching £1,000-plus for repeat offenders, the Home Office warned yesterday.

But there has been a rise in the number of coughing and spitting attacks on police officers and paramedics since the coronavirus outbreak. 

In reaction to this, it has been announced that anyone deliberately spreading coronavirus will now be treated as a serious assault punishable with a jail term of up to two years.

The Argus:

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund