Police urge people to “do better” as many disregard social distancing rules

This region’s top cop is urging those venturing to the waterfront today to “do better” after many of the thousands who flocked to the seaside town over the weekend showed a blatant disregard for social distancing. SEE THE PICTURES

First day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Eloise, Abigail, Brett, Suzie and Pearlie Grecia enjoy a day out at Scarborough. Picture: Renae Droop

Thousands of people from across southeast Queensland visited Redcliffe and surrounding beaches at the weekend but local police are not happy with the number of people who chose to ignore the 1.5m social distancing rules.

It was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that Queenslanders were allowed to leave their homes for non-essential reasons.

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Redcliffe jetty first day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Renae Droop

First day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Belinda Meyers and her 6 year old daughter Holly enjoy the beach at Clontarf. Picture: Renae Droop

Families were allowed to enjoy a picnic, fish and chips by the beach, fishing, jetskiing or a day trip anywhere within 50km of their home.

Moreton South Patrol Group Inspector Craig White said Redcliffe was definitely popular with visitors at the weekend.

Plenty of people flocked to Scarborough on the first day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Renae Droop

Relaxed COVID -19 restrictions allows jetskiers to be out on the water again. Josh Dries with his partner Shanice Jones enjoy the water at Clontarf. Picture: Renae Droop

“We are still seeing large groups of people congregating and breaching the social distancing arrangements,” Insp White said.

He said police did not hand out any fines but instead issued warnings.

“Most people were responsive to requests to separate,” Insp White said.

“We understand this is the first time in a while people have been allowed to sit in a park with their families and enjoy the sun.

First day of relaxed coronavirus restrictions. Olga Rakhmetova with her 4 year old daughter Alisa enjoy the beach at Scarborough. Picture: Renae Droop

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“But we need to get the balance between social distancing at the same time.

“We can definitely do better.”

Insp White said plain clothes officers and extra police would be patrolling the foreshore areas again today.

“People need to understand that if there is a recurrence of this virus the restrictions may be ramped up again,” he said.

The Inspector also urged everyone to download the COVID — 19 app so that if a hotspot was discovered people in the area at the time can be notified.