Coronavirus: Krispy Kreme free doughnut giveaway slammed by NSW Police
NSW Police bosses have slammed Krispy Kreme after the company decided to give away 350,000 doughnuts as Australia teeters on the brink of a second wave of COVID-19. Police were called to a number of Sydney stores, including one where the riot squad attended to disperse people. SEE FOOTAGE OF THE CROWDING.
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NSW Police bosses have slammed Krispy Kreme for handing out hundreds of thousands of doughnuts as Australia faces a second wave of COVID-19.
Photos taken at the Penrith store show dozens of people lining up to collect their free boxes of doughnuts as part of Krispy Kreme Australia’s biggest giveaway, sparking concerns over inadequate social distancing.
A NSW Police spokesman said police were called to a number of locations across Sydney today to assist with traffic and crowd control, after the promotion resulted in crowding and traffic management issues.
The Public Order and Riot Squad was also called in to assist with public health compliance.
Operation coronavirus Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, encouraged businesses to act responsibly during the current health crisis.
“This is nonsensical and defies logic,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
“We have people in NSW who have lost jobs, people who have missed the opportunity to farewell their loved ones at funerals, and of course, people who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
“Promotions like this do nothing to assist in maintaining social distancing which is vital to stopping the spread of the virus.
“Police are examining which, if any, breaches may have occurred and will take appropriate action where required.”
The Penrith store is about 10 minutes from the deadly Newmarch House cluster in Caddens, where 19 residents died.
Large crowds were also spotted at Krispy Kreme’s Auburn store, on Parramatta Rd, where the police riot squad were called in to disperse crowds.
Krispy Kreme Australia announced on Monday morning it would be giving away more than 350,000 glazed doughnuts to customers who celebrated a birthday in lockdown, March 13 – July 13.
The giveaway sent doughnut lovers into a frenzy, with Krispy Kreme announcing via its Facebook page that all participating stores across Australia had sold out by 3.30pm.
The giveaway raised concerns from some on social media.
“Shocked that you would encourage people to go out during a pandemic for a free doughnut, seriously,” one person wrote.
“I understand this is a kind gesture, but I cannot stress how insensitive it is to run this promotion in a hotspot in Victoria, and force police to close the area due to the influx of people,” another person said.
NSW Police said it was aware of concerns regarding the crowds and a lack of social distancing.
Krispy Kreme Australia said hygiene was a priority.
“Krispy Kreme adheres to the current state government requirements for hygiene and
social distancing to protect our employees and to allow us to continue to serve our
guests in a safe and clean environment,” a statement read.
“We encourage people visiting our stores to please adhere to signage and instructions from staff.”
Meanwhile, NSW remains on high alert as the state recorded 14 new COVID-19 cases overnight.
Cases at the Crossroads Hotel in Casula continue to rise, with eight new cases linked to the venue.
A new case has been confirmed today at Sydney’s The Star Casino after a man who visited the Pyrmont casino on the evening of July 4 tested positive to the virus.
A NSW Health spokesman has reminded people to practise proper social distancing.
“To keep safe from COVID-19, people must practise physical distancing,” the spokesman said.
“Physical distancing means reducing the close physical contact we have with one
another and staying 1.5 metres away from other people, including in a queue.
“People who fail to maintain physical distancing whenever possible are potentially
placing themselves, and the wider community, in an unsafe situation.”