Britons are being warned this isn't a "normal bank holiday weekend" in a bid to encourage them to resist the temptations of the warm weather and stop the spread of coronavirus.
A top police officer said if some people continued ignoring the COVID-19 lockdown laws over the Easter weekend then the government could impose tougher measures.
John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, pleaded with those people still ignoring the rules to stay indoors – despite what's forecast to be a bright and sunny few days for many.
So far, at least 7,978 people with COVID-19 have died across the UK.
The UK is just over two weeks into the lockdown, which looks set to be extended by the government at the promised review point next Thursday.
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David Lewis, deputy chief constable of Dorset Police, told Sky News that officers would be stationed on arterial roads to check people arent visiting holiday homes or beauty spots this weekend.
"My guidance would be: If you have to ask yourself 'is this an essential journey' then it probably isnt, so turn round and stay home," he said.
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Police Federation chief Mr Apter said the "vast majority" of Britons are following the law but a minority are either "genuinely confused by the guidance or they're completely oblivious to the dangers".
"Policing is a tough job at the best of times but in some areas its making that difficult job even more difficult," he told Sky News' All Out Politics.
"I would beg the public – please, take the advice and stay at home, unless you have to venture out for those essential journeys."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Read More – Source
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