Redcliffe residents fear a second wave of coronavirus after thousands converged along the foreshore
Residents from a community north of Brisbane have been left angry and fearing a second-wave of COVID-19 after thousands converged along the foreshore on the weekend.
Moreton
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Many of the thousands of visitors who converged on the Redcliffe Peninsula during the long weekend showed a blatant disregard for social distancing rules – angering residents and frustrating police.
It followed the State Government easing restrictions and allowing people to travel up to 50km from their homes to enjoy a picnic, jetskiing, a bush walk, fishing or fish and chips by the beach.
News the popular Redcliffe Markets would reopen on Mother’s Day left many residents concerned even more people would visit the region this weekend.
Residents took to social media to vent their frustration with some concerned the rules had been relaxed too soon and other fearing a second outbreak of COVID-19.
Queensland Health reported 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Moreton Bay region.
Here is what residents had to say:
Gayleen Poa: “Sorry but I think it’s a bit too early for markets to open. We’ve already had way too many people here on the weekend and it was impossible to keep your distance so we went home. I just pray there’s not a second wave.”
Neats Thomas: “We drove past Redcliffe waterfront (on) Saturday from Mon Komo to Woody Point. Not a car park spare. Beach (and) footpath was like a festival. Worse, every takeaway had 20 to 30 people hanging around outside. Great for businesses but no regard for social distancing. We didn’t leave the car but an eye opening experience.”
Vicki Koch: “Absolutely crazy! In one market they will undo all the good that has been done.”
Karen Field: “Cops could have had a field day handing out fines to all the parents at the park at Woody Point this evening. The playground which would still be closed had kids everywhere. They were lining up for the flying fox, on the swings and there were people everywhere.”
Mandy Johnson: “Can’t see how when everyone on the waterfront couldn’t listen to social distance rules.”
Sarah Bartel: “Sorry not going as much as I do love the markets. I live with my mum and she is in that age bracket nope not risking my mum getting sick and I’m an asthmatic so NO go for us. Way to early to open those I think. The stupid thing is the government has opened some shops but not let people go back to work. You need money to shop.”
Bunnie Scott: “I love the Redcliffe Markets. I live nearby and miss our early Sunday coffees there but I think it’s too soon for crowds and it will be crazy busy!”
Karen Parker: “As much as I love the Redcliffe Markets I won’t be going it is just way way way to soon. We will have a second hit of it and then people will whinge again about being locked down again.”
Karen Kemp: “A bit contradicting after earlier today stating it was disappointing to see so many people out and about this weekend across the foreshore not following the social distancing rules.”
Jo Stafford-Knapper: “This is just wonderful. How about the poor nurses and doctors that will have to look after everyone when they become unwell with the coronavirus? Great move.”
Cherylee Cook: “When is the government going to realise that these people cannot comprehend what is being said? Poor literacy and lack of basics in schools and you expect people to understand rules?”
Melita Ann Robinson: “Bit of a kick in the guts for the people who lost jobs over the lockdown. Shouldn’t have had a lockdown if they are just going to reopen everything so quickly.”
Cheryl Timms: “I won’t be in any rush to get out and about. Won’t know who is sick or not and can’t take the chance of getting sick.”
Kathie Chandler: “Get ready for a lot more testing positive.”
Carolyn Wright: “They are going to let us get it like they have everywhere else in the world, winter is coming.”
Karen Parker: “Way, way, way too soon to have lifted the restrictions. People hated it first time around can you imagine the whining when we are all locked down again and it will happen.”
Tracey Annette Knight: “Unbelievable! We have been lucky so far! This will not continue if people show complete disregard for restrictions that were in place to try and keep us safe! Come on people use your brains.”
Patricia Gibson: Laws lifted far too soon. What was the Qld government thinking? Did they not realise that this would happen? And as for our own Moreton Bay Council asking people to come here …”
Sharon Edwards: “Glad we didn’t go to anywhere near the water, we just went for a drive and no to shops.”
David Geraldine: “Some people think the social distancing rules are for everyone else not them (they think they are too important).”
Florence Dark: “Quite frankly if you don’t live on the Peninsula, you shouldn’t be at the waterfront. Ruining it for the locals.”
Angela Brunet: “Just because you can, does not mean you should. Stay home avoid people if possible.”
Karen Skillender: “They will put us back in lockdown before we know it please be sensible and stay safe.”
Brian Shapland: “So many kids were playing on the swings etc.”
Darren Purdy: We had a drive up the seafront here in Redcliffe to check it out as I’ve been wanting to resume my seafront walks. Think I’ll be leaving it until the weekdays! We did see one gazebo up with probably way too many people under and around it as though it were a “party” at the beach, I’d say double figures. To be fair, there were a lot trying to do the right thing also. Not much parking available either.”
Jo Stafford-Knapper: “We just drove through Redcliffe and was shocked! Already the covid numbers in Qld are increasing. I’m sure we’ll all be grounded again soon.”
John Falzon: “Inside shopping centres was just as bad with many people refusing to adhere to the social distancing rules. This blatant behaviour will see a reversal of the easing of the restrictions all caused by those treating the virus as a joke. Winter hasn’t arrived yet which is what overseas countries are warning Australia to be aware of, the cool weather is was COVID-19 prefers.”
Paula Scott Af Uhr: “We went for our daily walk along the beach as the waterfront was so busy along Suttons Beach, so many cars too and car parks full.”
Josh Sullivan: “Never seen it this packed. Just staying at home to avoid the traffic most of the weekend.”
George Jung: “All over Redcliffe yesterday was a joke way to many people everywhere and on top of that rubbish everywhere.”
Louise Dale: “God help the health system in the next two weeks. Who knows how many cases we will have?”
Neal Smith: “Forget about “urging” people to do the right thing, grow a set and fine the lot of them.”
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