The leader of Haringey Council has urged residents to stop flouting Government rules designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus Covid-19.

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor warned that “too many” Haringey residents were still meeting up in large groups across the borough – against the advice issued by the Government.

He urged people to “stay at home, save lives and support the NHS”.

On Monday (March 23), Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions on movement, meaning people must stay at home except for a very limited number of purposes.

People are allowed to leave their homes to shop for necessities and to take one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of their household.

They can also leave their home for medical or care needs and to travel to and from work – but only if they cannot work from home.

When outdoors, people must stay two metres apart from anyone outside of their household.

The police have been given powers to fine people if they do not obey the rules. They can also arrest people who refuse to follow their orders to stop breaking the rules.

Cllr Ejiofor (Labour, Bruce Grove) tweeted a warning on Thursday (March 26) that residents had been spotted ignoring the advice and meeting up in large groups.

On Wednesday (March 25), another councillor, Cllr Julia Ogiehor (Liberal Democrat, Muswell Hill), tweeted that people were putting lives at “serious risk” by playing football and picnicking in Priory Park, Hornsey.

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, leader of Haringey Council, said: “Too many Haringey residents are ignoring Government advice and are still meeting in large groups across the borough. This simply has to stop.

“We have seen images of people meeting in our public spaces and every time they do this, they are potentially spreading the virus and this could affect their health and that of their loved ones.

“It is vital that people are only going out if they need to buy essentials such as food supplies or medicines. People should only go out once a day to exercise, but they must keep two metres apart from others.

“Our parks are open as places for people to go through rather than places to go to. If people don’t stand still or get too close to anybody, our parks will remain open.

“People need to protect their own health and that of their friends and family. My message could not be clearer – please stay at home, save lives and support the NHS.”