Home Secretary Priti Patel is to lead a Downing Street press conference at 5pm, as police warn they will crack down on people breaking lockdown rules.
The news agency PA Media revealed Ms Patel will host a Covid press conference later today.
Police across the country have warned they will get tough with people breaking lockdown rules. But Ms Patel is expected to say she backs forces attempting to ensure everyone obeys restrictions.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) published new guidance last week stating that while officers should firstly encourage people to comply with the regulations in the first instance, they should move to enforcement if they do not respond.
Derbyshire Police came under fire for fining two women who had driven for 10 minutes to go for a walk together by a reservoir - but then said it had made a mistake.
Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness yesterday said individuals should think carefully before choosing beaches, parks and beauty spots for their daily walk, if they find the areas to be crowded when they arrive.
The PCC said: "I think if the Government want that rule and they don't want people to travel to exercise they need to make it very clear.
"For me the issue isn't how far you go. If you pull up at Tynemouth Beach and it's heaving you are putting yourself and others at risk. This is a deadly virus that is killing a lot of people.
"My advice to people is to avoid driving around the region. It's not about how far you travel, it's about how busy it is when you get there. If you arrive somewhere and it's very very busy just think realistically is it safe for me and for others.
"The virus was bad before and it's worse than it's ever been now. All our public services are under great pressure. This is about people's actions and how you respond and conduct yourself.
"The police will play a role in this. If people are breaking the rules by accident they are going to be reasonable. If not they will move to enforcement."
Durham Constabulary's former Chief Constable, Mike Barton, has warned that overzealous policing could "damage" public support.
