A beachgoer in Bournemouth has claimed that social distancing rules don't "really matter" because he doesn't know anyone with Covid-19.
The man, who spoke to the BBC yesterday as huge crowds flocked to the Dorset town's seafront, said he was there to "have a couple of drinks" and "enjoy the sun".
The crowds forced Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to declare a major incident after a deluge of 500,000 visitors caused chaos as they gridlocked roads, dumped tonnes of rubbish and parked illegally.
"It's the closest we’re gonna get to a holiday this year, so got to enjoy it really," the defiant man said.
He added: "I still don’t know anyone that’s even had [Covid-19] so in my eyes, it doesn’t really matter."
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However he also admitted that the beach was getting "a bit hectic" and that the large crowds could pose the risk of a second wave of coronavirus infections.
He said: "It’s probably going to cause a second wave, people are just doing what they want aren’t they?"
The council revealed today that workers were later forced to clear over 80 tonnes of rubbish left strewn across the sand by beachgoers.
Police say they were "stretched to the absolute hilt" as thousands descended on the town to soak up the sun on the hottest day of the year so far, with reports of fights and anti-social behaviour.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock later warned that the Government was "perfectly prepared" to "take action" if people continue to flout social distancing rules and that he has the power to close beaches.
Speaking to talkRadio, he said that the virus "does not respect that it’s a hot summer’s day".
Asked if it was time to consider closing beaches, Hancock said: "We do have that power, we do have that power.
"I’m reluctant to use it because you know, people have had a pretty tough lockdown, and everybody should be able to enjoy the sunshine.
"The key is to do it with respect, stay with your households, stay a good distance from other households.
"Outside is safer than inside. You’ve got to respect the rules, respect the fact that social distancing is still important.”
He added: "As we do have those powers, if we see a spike in the number of cases, then we will take action."
There was also a death on Worthing beach, a large police operation in a Glasgow park and a mass brawl on Exmouth beach among other incidents yesterday.
The leader of Bournemouth Council, Vikki Slade, called the scenes "appalling" and branded the behaviour of visitors as "irresponsible".
"We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks," she said.
"The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe.
"We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response."
