THIS photo shows people in Richmond not abiding by the government’s social distancing rules amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Roads Policing Unit (RPU) shared the image showing groups of people enjoying the sunshine yesterday.

Despite the government stating "you can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than two metres from others" - those in the photo were not following those rules.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson implemented strict new curbs on people’s lives in the UK to tackle the spread of COVID-19.

He said people may only leave home to exercise once a day, to travel for work when it is “absolutely necessary”, and to shop for essential items, as well fulfil any care or medical needs.

If people do not follow these rules, police will be able to fine them and disperse gatherings.

The importance of social distancing and taking coronavirus very seriously was highlighted by Dr Hugh Montgomery who said the virus is three times more infections than ordinary flu.

Dr Montgomery, professor of intensive care medicine at University College London, told Channel 4’s Dispatches programme: “This coronavirus is very, very infectious, so every person passes it to three.

“Now that doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but if each of those three passes it to three, and that happens at 10 layers, I have been responsible for infecting 59,000 people.”

Brits have continued to flout government guidance by venturing out into public to enjoy the warm weather this weekend.