People are being urged to remain at home this weekend despite forecasts for sunny weather.

Colchester Council is reinforcing the national guidance issued to the people of Britain last month.

Even when venturing outside for fresh air and exercise, or when shopping for essentials, residents should follow social distancing rules.

Although the council has now closed all its playgrounds, outdoor gyms and car parks serving its parks and countryside sites, the parks themselves remain open.

Visitors to parks should remain at least two metres apart from others.

Martin Goss, councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, said: “It was right and proportionate that we took the decision earlier this week to close playgrounds and car parks across the borough’s parks and country sites.

"Public safety must be paramount, and we hope residents will fully understand and support this decision.

“People living close to one of the boroughs parks or country sites will find them still open to enjoy.

"We simply ask that you do not get in your car to travel to these sites and observe the social distancing rules.

"Our parks team would like to stress how important this is, so that everyone can still enjoy our open spaces safely.

“The message should be clear by now: If everyone works together, we can all play a part in stopping the spread of the virus.”

Mark Cory, leader of Colchester Council, added: “Having endured nearly two weeks of lockdown, and with the weather set to improve over the coming days and weeks, many may be tempted to become complacent about the social distancing rules or drop their guard in other ways when venturing out in public.

“Please, do not do that.

"We must remain vigilant to the threat of this terrible pandemic; the restrictions aimed at defeating COVID-19 require people to stay at home except in very limited circumstances – no matter what.

“The increasing spread of coronavirus is very serious, and the stakes extremely high. Our NHS will simply be overwhelmed if we do not do everything we can – both individually and collectively – to heed advice and follow the social distancing rules.”

In a further appeal, Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester's district commander, said: “The NHS and our emergency services are under enormous and increasing pressure to save lives and curb the spread of coronavirus.

“If we are to stand any chance of managing the demands being placed on us and ultimately defeating this threat, everyone must follow the Government’s advice and stay at home.

"The NHS and our emergency services are at the frontline of this battle. Please do not jeopardise the work they are doing to save lives and safeguard the vulnerable.

“Over this weekend, and going forward, the police will of course be out and visible on our streets, providing reassurance to keep our community safe, support those who need help and disrupt criminals. Where we encounter breaches of the lockdown we will be engaging, educating, explaining and, where absolutely necessary, enforcing the new laws.

“I am pleased to say that, to date, we have not had to use arrest or fixed penalty tickets to enforce the legislation here in Colchester.

"Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.”