Day of the Covidiots!
Flouting advice from Government, big crowds cram beauty spots to bask in spring sunshine
THOUSANDS of Scots yesterday flouted government warnings to stay at home as much as possible to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Beaches, beauty spots, parks and playgrounds were packed as people flocked to enjoy the sunny springtime conditions.
A term ‘covidiot’ was used on social media to describe those putting the community’s health at risk of Covid-19 by gathering in caravan parks, nature reserves and outdoor spaces.
One woman shared images of a crowded Kelvingrove Park with people milling around close to each other, including large numbers of youths in the skate park.
Alongside the images she wrote: ‘Crowded Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow. Shocking.’
Another woman who went for a run at Glasgow Green said: ‘There were crowds of kids playing football, old folk sitting on benches and children in the swing park.
‘Some people were being sensible: exercising alone, walking their dog but keeping their distance from others. Sadly, too many people weren’t heeding the advice.’
Walkers at Bennachie, in Aberdeenshire, packed a car park as people took to the great outdoors. Similar scenes were reported at Balmedie beach just outside Aberdeen.
A crowd gathered in Macduff as a fire tore through an old building. As the roof collapsed, videos on social media showed members of the public standing in tightly packed crowds.
The incidents provoked outrage online. Sarah Littler said: ‘This kind of selfish behaviour will be the reason we go into full lockdown.’ Tina Brough asked: ‘Do people not listen to the advice we have been given?’ Aleksandra Jakub Rychert said: ‘I stay in Balmedie. Car parks are full, people not staying at home. My road is mental today – normally empty.’
Braemar Mountain Rescue Team found Loch Muick, Aberdeenshire, ‘very busy’ during a callout.
The team tweeted: ‘Team called this pm to assist a male near Loch Muick. Aircraft assistance required (and appreciated!). Second call in two days and the car park was very busy today with similar numbers reported across other popular spots UK wide.’ In reply, the Lomond team said: ‘Popular spots VERY busy in the Trossachs.’
Vanessa Jones shared a Facebook photo of a street in Callander, Perthshire, packed with people waiting for takeaways, saying: ‘OK, so what part of social distancing/ self isolation do people not understand?’ While agreeing those not in vulnerable groups can go outside, Nicola Sturgeon made clear they should not ‘crowd together, adding: ‘Beaches should not be busy, parks should not be full.’
Meanwhile, it emerged publicans will be forced to shut during the pandemic. Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, force lead for coronavirus, said a ‘small number’ had pledged to remain open. He said: ‘This is absolutely reckless and endangers not only the lives of customers but wider communities.’
He said: ‘I’ve obtained further legal advice and Police Scotland will now instruct officers to serve emergency closure orders on any licensed premises which refuses to comply, on the grounds of the threat posed to public safety.’