THE First Minister has urged Scots to “stay away from crowded places” after a major incident was declared on the south coast of England yesterday.
Tens of thousands of people defied pleas to stay away and drove to Bournemouth beaches - leaving areas overcrowded, traffic gridlocked and resulting in violence in some cases.
This morning, pictures showed the beaches completely covered in litter following the “shocking” scenes.
The area’s council leader said they were “absolutely appalled” by the incident. Vikki Slade went on: “The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe. We have had no choice but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response.
PLEASE stay away from crowded places - even outdoor ones. With a virus as infectious as COVID out there (and it is still out there) behaviour like this is highly dangerous and could so quickly send all our progress into reverse - with devastating consequences #StaySafe https://t.co/rS2Oc7pvB8
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 25, 2020
“The numbers of people descending down here are like those seen on a bank holiday. We are not in a position to welcome visitors in these numbers now. Please do not come.”
The council was left “completely overstretched” as a result of the number of people who flocked to the Dorset area.
England’s chief medical officer wrote on Twitter urging people to follow physical distancing rules or risk causing a new spike in Covid-19 cases. Chris Whitty said: “If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.”
Responding to the news last night as residents complained of a “complete breakdown of decent, normal behaviour”, Nicola Sturgeon issued a warning.
“PLEASE stay away from crowded places – even outdoor ones,” she told Twitter. “With a virus as infectious as Covid out there (and it is still out there) behaviour like this is highly dangerous and could so quickly send all our progress into reverse – with devastating consequences #StaySafe”
Meanwhile Scotland saw its own shocking scenes as Police Scotland’s air unit and ground fleet were drafted in to evacuate crowds gathered in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park.
Glasgow City Council condemned those hanging out in the park while ignoring social distancing rules and leaving litter in the space, adding Kelvingrove is “not open for parties”.
Sturgeon reiterated her message to those gathering in the park against current lockdown restrictions.
She wrote: “Crowded places risk a resurgence of COVID - and risk lives. I understand the desire to enjoy the hot weather - but PLEASE don’t jeopardise our progress. Follow the rules - they’re for the protection of you and your loved ones. My thanks to @policescotland for helping keep us safe.”
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