Collection of six park signs showing rules and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, used in Royal Borough of Greenwich council parks, London, England, April 2020

Alongside national guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, local councils also produced their own signage for public spaces such as parks. Closing areas and encouraging social distancing was one way of ensuring areas did not become too crowded. During the first national lockdown beginning in March 2020, sunbathing, sitting on a bench and playing sports were all banned.

It is estimated that spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of a person with COVID-19 can pass on the virus. However, scientific evidence has shown that being outside reduces the risk of transmission.