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A government source said that allowing two people from different households to get together for exercise, such as a walk, was “being used as an excuse for people to go for coffee in the park with their friends,” adding: “ We might press on things like that. “
Downing Street is also understood to be preparing to embark on a campaign to force businesses and workplaces to improve their coronavirus-compliant security measures.
There will be a particular focus on supermarkets, due to concerns that some stores have relaxed the rules and are putting their customers at risk.
They will be reminded that they should implement one-way systems and that customers should be forced to wear face covers and follow social distancing rules, it is expected.
There is also discussion in government circles to expand the mask rules, which could make them mandatory in some outdoor settings, such as grocery store lines and indoor workplaces for those still attending.
However, a Downing Street source insisted the focus is on enforcing the current regime and “making sure people don’t use their own creativity to interpret the rules however they want.”
They said that some people were using their “imagination” to apply the rules about exercise in a way that allowed them to socialize, adding: “That rule is there for exercise, for people’s mental health, particularly for older people. they are not going to run to see someone. ”
It occurred when 563 more deaths were recorded on Sunday and 54,940 new cases. A new model suggests that 1 in 5 people in England have had the disease, demonstrating the rampant spread of the virus throughout the community.
Ministers see expanding fines for violators as another open option to boost compliance, The Telegraph understands.
Their willingness to increase penalties was demonstrated last week when the UK increased the fine for incoming passengers who fail to fill out its passenger locator form from £ 200 to £ 500.
New guidelines were also issued for police chiefs, instructing them to fine people who break the rules £ 200 if they refuse to go home the first time they ask.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned Sunday that while the “vast majority” of people follow the rules, even minor transgressions are dangerous.
“Every flex can be fatal,” he said.
He declined to rule out stricter rules when asked if daycare centers could be closed, support bubbles abolished, outdoor masks made mandatory, curfews introduced and exercise limited to one hour a day.
“I don’t want to speculate, because the most important message is not whether the government will further strengthen the rules, the most important thing is that people stay home and follow the rules we have,” he told BBC One. Andrew Marr’s Show.
Reports emerged over the weekend that the restrictions should remain in effect until at least March 23, the anniversary of the start of the first lockdown, with a further opening of the economy scheduled for the May banking holiday. Downing Street sources said it was too early to discuss dates to ease restrictions.
The Government is expected to intensify its awareness campaign on the current pressure on the NHS and reiterate to the public that the situation is worse now than it was during the first peak last spring.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, will hold a press round on Monday. Both ministerial meetings on Sunday focused on NHS capacity and rising hospitalization rates, as well as compliance with and enforcement of the lockdown.
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