Social distancing – we’re doing it wrong
Changing a nation’s entire way of life in a week isn’t easy, but eyebrows have been raised at the way the capital city enjoyed its early days of lockdown.
Police have issued a warning after hundreds of people flocked to Wellington’s Oriental Parade for some afternoon sun on Sunday.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said he was surprised at the number of people out and about on Oriental Parade when he drove past on Sunday.
While most appeared to be following social distancing rules, staying 2 metres apart from one another and only associating with those within their own bubbles, he was concerned not everyone was.
Bush said if people did not comply with the lockdown rules, they would have to take another look at the rules.
‘‘I’ll use this opportunity to appeal to people: You must stay local. I think if people aren’t complying we are going to have to revisit this.’’
He said people should not be wandering 5 or 6 kilometres away from home, and if they do see other people out and about, to keep their distance. ‘‘Really keep that social distancing.’’
One Oriental Parade resident, who did not want to be named, said he had lived in the area for many years and had never seen it so busy.
‘‘So many people decided to come out at the same time, in groups, for a walk and a run.
‘‘There is nothing wrong with going for a walk or looking after your mental health through physical exercise, but everyone else is doing this in their own homes or in solitude, when no-one is outside.’’
Yesterday, a Stuff reporter said people could be seen walking and sitting at Oriental Parade. One person was in the water.
People were walking in the middle of the path, making it difficult for others to stay 2 metres away, and there were a few groups of people in twos or threes sitting around and talking.
The Dominion Post has also seen reports of similar behaviour on other beachside locations around Wellington, including Island Bay and Lyall Bay.
There were also reports that Nairnville Park in Ngaio was busy over the weekend.
A witness reported groups of adults and children playing soccer together, and others chatting to each other in groups.
‘‘They didn’t seem to understand or care that this 2-metre rule is to protect us all. We really do not need this four-week lockdown turning into eight [weeks].’’
When asked whether the police wanted to see the rules tightened and what this might look like, a spokesperson responded saying the rules around self-isolation and outdoor exercise remained the same. ‘‘Self-isolation means staying at home. The Government has asked all New Zealanders to stay at home to help stop the spread of Covid-19.’’
She said people were allowed to go for a walk, or to exercise and enjoy nature within their own neighbourhood.
‘‘If you do leave your house, you must keep a 2-metre distance from other people at all times.’’