PEOPLE have been urged to resist the temptation to leave their homes this weekend with the UK set to enjoy a spell of sunny weather as the Easter holidays get underway.

A mini heatwave is expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday, with highs of 20 degrees anticipated in some parts of the south east.

Basingstoke is set to see temperatures of 17 degrees and sunshine.

However, police are urging residents not to try to take advantage of that weather and to remember the government advice to stay at home, stop the spread of coronavirus infection and help save lives.

Scott Chilton, assistant chief constable (AAC) at Hampshire Constabulary, said in a statement: “As we all adjust to these new measures, it has been reassuring to see how well people have adapted to quite unique and challenging circumstances. And I want to thank you for that.

“We appreciate that everyone will want to take advantage of the expected upturn in weather and visit local green spaces, beaches and national parks.

“But right now, our main priority is to protect our local communities, and as such we would urge everyone to follow the government advice; stay at home to prevent the spread of infection and keep our loved ones safe.

“We will continue to be out this weekend to ensure social distancing is happening and everyone is staying safe.”

The public are being reminded that the Government have advised that people should only leave their home for very limited purposes, which include:

  • shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine
  • one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
  • any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
  • travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Police have the power to act if people are not adhering to the rules. They can disperse groups, ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules and even impose fines.

First time offenders can be issued a £60 fixed penalty notice - a fine which can be doubled for every further offence.

ACC Chilton continued: “We are trying to engage, explain and encourage everyone to follow the advice being issued by my officers.

“We may need to ask you about your circumstances if we see you out and about or travelling so please continue to consider if your journey is essential.

“However, where people do not comply, then we will direct people to go home, and, if necessary, we will issue a fine. We see this as a last resort, but we will use our powers if we have to.

“Each and every one of us can find a way to interpret the law to suit our individual circumstances. The whole purpose of these measures is to avoid unnecessary contact and reduce the spread of infection. We all have a part to play in that.”

It comes after the government issued similar advice to the entire country on Friday evening.

Speaking at the No 10 press briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We cannot relax our discipline now. If we do, people will die."

He added that it is “not a request - it is an instruction” that people should stay at home to help save lives.