SUN-SEEKERS have been warned to keep away from the beaches as temperatures are set to rise over the weekend.

Several services have pleaded with visitors and residents alike not to swarm to Brighton and Hove seafront, breaching social distancing regulations.

After a bitterly cold winter and spring, warmer weather is finally expected to hit the South East today and tomorrow.

The Met Office has forecast sunny conditions and temperatures topping 14C.

READ MORE>>>Latest coronavirus news in Sussex

But, with a UK-wide lockdown still in full effect to minimise the impact of coronavirus, authorities are concerned that the sudden change in weather could prompt people to disregard the Government’s "stay home, save lives” mantra.

The Argus:

It comes after hundreds of visitors ignored this advice and flocked to coastal areas such as Beachy Head and Brighton and Hove seafront in the sunshine last month.

Pete Mitzen, assistant director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “The rules are very simple and can be found on the Government website. Stay at home.

“The risk of spreading coronavirus is huge and while you might be OK, the person you give it to may not.

“If you get into trouble and have to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you’re then putting frontline emergency responders at risk of Covid-19 too.

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“At this time of the year the beaches aren’t lifeguarded which is a double risk to you and our emergency responders.

“Help us to help you. Stay at home.”

Last month, Brighton and Hove Council put unparalleled new measures in place to prevent any further incidences of social distancing being defied.

Council leader Nancy Platts said: "It’s been another challenging week, and I’d like to thank everyone who is playing their part during this crisis by following the Government’s advice to stay at home and maintain social distancing.

"With the weekend upon us, and sunshine and warmer weather in prospect, it’s tempting to want to get outside to let off steam and relax – but it’s crucial we protect the NHS, protect our residents and don’t let our guard slip.

"That’s why I’m reiterating this vital message, don’t travel to Brighton and Hove this weekend.

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"Nobody wants to tell people to stay away from the city we love and are proud to call home, least of all me as the leader of the council, but we have to take this action.

"We’ll welcome visitors back with open arms later in the year, when the time is right – but right now it’s time to stay home.

"By staying away, your action could save lives."

Those who do visit the seafront and breach the Government’s two-metre guidance over social distancing may be fined by police officers who have been patrolling in the area in recent weeks.

Sussex Police chief constable Giles York said: “My officers will come and engage with you if we see you are posing a danger to each other.

“We will explain why it’s important to behave differently and only if absolutely necessary will we enforce the law to ensure that you disperse.

“Please support everything the public services are doing at the moment.”

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It was revealed this week that at least ten people have now died with coronavirus in Brighton and Hove.

The death toll, released by the NHS, came as NHS Digital reported thousands of suspected Covid-19 cases in the city.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, reported that ten people have died with the virus so far.

Four of the deaths happened in a single day, a week ago today.

The Argus:

NHS Digital said a total of 9,053 suspected cases had been reported in the Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group area.

It should be noted that the figure is not necessarily a count of individuals, as people may have accessed the service on more than one occasion.

In figures released this morning, Public Health England stated there had been 50 coronavirus cases in Brighton, and 317 overall in Sussex.

In the UK as a whole, 173,784 people have been tested and 38,168 of these people have tested positive.

As of 5pm on Thursday, 3,605 of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus have died - an increase of 684 in 24 hours.

  • 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