Wednesday’s picture-perfect weather had residents heading to Birmingham-area parks, but they had to keep moving to be allowed to stay due to new restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.

Under Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s newly-passed “shelter in place” ordinance, residents are being asked to stay home except to report to their essential job, buy or pick up food or medicine, and exercise.

Birmingham officers were reminded via supervisors over the police radio to monitor parks on their beats to make sure no large groups had gathered, per orders of the mayor. If visitors were not running, walking, riding a bike or engaged in some other form of exercise, they were encouraged to move on.

COVID-19 Shelter In Place Response Posted by Birmingham Police Department (AL) Major Crimes on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Those who are outside are mandated to practice social distancing and keeping 6 feet away from others while exercising outdoors. Exercise involving close or direct contact with other people, such as basketball, will not be permitted. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children, except those in childcare centers are ordered closed.

The new ordinance is in place until 12 a.m. April 3. Violating the ordinance could cost you up to 30 days in jail and/or paying a fine of up to $500.

Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said the department’s goal is to educate rather than enforce. “We need the community to work with the police and to follow health directions as a need for overall public health and safety,’’ Smith said.

As of Tuesday night, no citations had been written, the chief said. “We have chosen to print flyers with health and safety recommendations to handout in hopes of gaining compliance,’’ Smith said. “This could all change if people are not heeding the warnings.”