The health secretary says the government is prepared to “do what it takes” to tackle the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Emergency legislation that would grant powers aimed at tackling the issue will be debated by MPs later.
Matt Hancock said it was “unfair” that people appeared to be continuing to socialise despite warnings.
Over the weekend, photos emerged showing crowds of people visiting open spaces across many parts of the UK.
Under the proposals to be discussed by MPs, airports could shut and police would be able to force people with virus symptoms to isolate.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Hancock said: “We’ve seen with this virus it spreads so easily.
“In other countries in Europe where they didn’t take these crackdowns quite so early, it’s got very serious.
“So of course we’re prepared to do what it takes.”