Nigel Farage has admitted breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by leaving the house eight times in the past five days.

The rules imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week stated that people should only be leaving the house for exercise once a day or to buy essentials.

The measures are part of a drive to limit the spread of coronavirus, which has now infected more than 17,000 people in the UK, killing 1,019.

But Mr Farage said on his LBC radio show on Sunday that he has been out for exercise on multiple occasions in recent days.

Nigel Farage has admitted breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by leaving the house eight times in the past five days

In an exchange with a listener, Mr Farage said: 'I am going to be honest with you, in the last five days I have been out walking eight times.

'So there are three days this week [where] I went out walking early in the morning, and I went out again in the afternoon.

'I didn't see a single person, I wasn't putting anybody else at risk including myself, and I think we just need to apply common sense here.'

He added that if the lockdown continues as expected until June, 'people are going to need to get out for their own mental health'.

Reacting on Twitter, some listeners criticised the former UKIP leader for flouting the rules.

One wrote: 'encouraging people live on air to flout govt guidelines is a low point, even for him. This could literally cost lives, how does he still get airtime?'

Another wrote: 'Generally I have time for @Nigel_Farage but not this morning.

'We have to minimise #risk and think about #actions that could be avoided & that could add to the stretched #EmergencyServices & everyone else who are complying to the national #rules.'

A third just said: 'Nigel farage [sic] just admitted he went walking more than once a day.'

The rules imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week stated that people should only be leaving the house once a day for exercise or to buy essentials. Pictured: Empty streets outside St Paul's Cathedral on Sunday

Reacting on Twitter, some listeners criticised the former UKIP leader for flouting the rules

Mr Farage's comments come despite a plea from Mr Johnson for the public to obey the lockdown and stay home during the coronavirus 'national emergency'.

The Prime Minister, who is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, is writing to every household in the UK.

Mr Johnson will warn 'things will get worse before they get better' as he stresses the need to stay indoors to support the NHS by slowing the spread.

At an anticipated cost of £5.8 million, the letters will land on 30 million doorsteps along with a leaflet spelling out the Government's advice following much public confusion.

It comes as Britain's coronavirus death toll rocketed by 260 to 1,019 today as the UK suffered its worst day yet and saw a huge spike in victims.

Across the country a total of 120,776 coronavirus tests have taken place, and a whopping 17,089 have come back positive for Covid-19.

The letters and leaflets are the latest in a public information campaign from No 10 to convince people to stay at home, wash their hands and shield the most vulnerable from the disease.

'We know things will get worse before they get better,' the PM's letter will read.

'But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.

'It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.

'Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.

'That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.'

Mr Farage's comments come despite a plea from Mr Johnson for the public to obey the lockdown and stay home during the coronavirus 'national emergency'

The Prime Minister, who is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, is writing to every household in the UK

Amid allegations of confusing messages on the lockdown, the leaflet will outline the Government's rules on leaving the house and advice on shielding vulnerable people.

A clear explanation of the symptoms will also be included as will guidance on hand washing.

Panic has gripped the nation as it was revealed that today's total number of deaths is 34 per cent higher than yesterday's and today has seen the largest daily increase since March 18, when the total shot up from 71 to 104.