Beaches will only be closed by the government “reluctantly”, Environment Secretary George Eustice has said – after a major incident was declared as thousands crowded into Bournemouth.
Mr Eustice said people needed to work with the government and observe coronavirus guidelines.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested beaches could be closed by the government if infections rise.
It came after England’s chief medical officer said distancing remained vital.
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Prof Chris Whitty warned Covid-19 cases “will rise again” if rules are ignored.
Mr Eustice told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Mr Hancock had “made clear we do have the powers to go back in and act”.
He added: “We don’t want to do that and we will be very reluctant to do so”.
“We are appealing to everyone who does decide to go to the beach to observe that social distancing and stay within their family,” he said.
He told BBC Breakfast that people have “generally” observed current social distancing rules – keeping 2m apart from other households.
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