The prime minister has warned people across the UK to observe social distancing advice when leaving their homes or run the risk of being subjected to stricter measures to limit their exposure to the coronavirus.

As the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK exceeded 5,000 and the death toll approached the 300-mark, Boris Johnson urged members of the public to stay indoors, and if they had to leave their homes to exercise – or to “enjoy themselves” – in the nation’s parks and other open spaces, then they had to do so responsibly.