The transport secretary has urged the public not to “throw this away” by ignoring lockdown advice as warm weather is expected over the weekend.

Grant Shapps also urged people not to attend “mass gatherings” after a week of Black Lives Matter protests across the UK.

Mr Shapps issued the advice at the government’s daily coronavirus briefing, as he warned ignoring lockdown and social distancing guidance could lead to a second spike in deaths and cases.

He spoke after it was confirmed another 202 people had died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK.

Mr Shapps said at the daily briefing: “I’ve stood here at other times when we’ve been reporting deaths in the many hundreds and infections in the many thousands.

“We are reaching a point now where those numbers have come down.

“But is absolutely essential that we don’t throw this away. It’s going to be another warm weekend. Its very important people follow this advice because we do not want to be going backwards or facing a second spike.”

Mr Shapps also reminded the public that wearing face coverings in public transport is mandatory from Monday, with those who ignore the rule facing a fine.

He added that the public must not forget this “insidious virus is still a threat” as crowds were seen at an anti-racism demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Friday.

The transport secretary continued: “That not only means avoiding public transport if you can. It also means from Monday, wearing a face covering on public transport, avoiding gatherings of more than six people, including to protest.

“I understand that people want to show passion for issues they care deeply about, but we must never be complacent about stamping racism and discrimination in this country.

“But please for the sake of your health and that of your friends and families, don’t attend mass gatherings.”

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