Covidiots have been flouting social distancing rules and using Derbyshire streets as TOILETS

Coronavirus rules have been relaxed in England so people can now ‘drive to other destinations’, take part in ‘unlimited’ exercise and meet one person from outside their household in a public space outdoors.

MORE: Coronavirus case 'linked' to school near Chesterfield

People should stay two metres apart from others who are not in their household.

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said he visited Matlock on Saturday and saw social distancing ‘not being practiced’.

He added: “People must think that Covid-19 is a joke.

“Practice social distancing if you are out and please respect the right of our rural communities to stay safe too.”

On Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: “We appealed to visitors to stay away but our usual hotspots are busy.

“We also made it clear most facilities – including toilets – remain closed.

“Sadly we’re getting reports of people using streets as toilets. Don’t.

“Respect and protect our communities.”

Meanwhile, the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) tweeted on Saturday that Langsett was ‘extremely busy with car parks currently full and social distancing difficult’.

Earlier this week, the PDNPA’s chief executive urged people to think twice before visiting the area.

Angie Smithson, chief executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – where more than 100 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 – said staff there ‘remain vigilant to the risks of Covid-19 and its unpredictability’.

She added: “It’s vital that everyone continues to protect the NHS and its staff – by following the latest Government guidance for travel, social distancing and returning to work (if home working isn’t an option).

“If we can all work together to prevent a second surge of cases in the UK we will be able to start to recover more services – especially urgent cancer diagnostics and surgeries.

“While these have still been running at the Royal for anyone needing immediate and critical care, clinics and operations have been reduced.”

MORE: Increase in reports of noisy neighbours during lockdown in Chesterfield