COVID-19: Crowds flock to Gold Coast beaches despite social distancing warnings

Gold Coasters have ignored political leaders and gone for one last beach trip in defiance of demands for social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Premier and Mayor Tate are furious.

POLITICAL leaders have slammed Gold Coasters for not taking social distancing seriously as some of the city’s most popular beaches continue to be packed.

Large crowds flocked to Gold Coast beaches this morning in defiance of demands to stay home in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning blasted the scenes - reminiscent of Bondi Beach last Friday - and said “everyone had a role to play”.

“We saw those extraordinary scenes at Bondi Beach and we have some of the best beaches in the world,” she said.

A deserted Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, about 10am on Sunday, March 22. Picture: Lea Emery

“But coronavirus can spread quickly and people are not observing social distancing.

“Coronavirus is on the Gold Coast, so we know people have confirmed cases on the Gold Coast and I need everyone on the Gold Coast to be listening clearly to the messages I am saying.

“It is a beautiful weekend and I tell you what, I would love my family to be travelling to the Coast too but they’re not.

“I need everyone to do their part and in the coming weeks and months. I need you to stay near your village.

“You can support things in your local village and shop in your local neighbourhood but you need to restrict your non-essential travel and stay close to home.

Crowds flock to Main Beach despite fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: Lea Emery

“That’s what we do during cyclones and floods. Now in Queensland we need to play our part.”

Beachgoers approached by the Bulletin said they were looking for one “last” beach outing before more restrictions were put in place.

But some had taken note of the warnings with crowds at Surfers Paradise down significantly and the usually bustling pedestrianised Cavill Ave Mall almost deserted.

Main Beach was packed with dozens of people spotted less than the suggested 1.5m away from each other in the water.

Southport mum Pia Johnson said she was having her last swim at Main Beach before isolation took hold.

“I’m surprised so many people are here,” she said.

Crowds flock to Main Beach despite fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: Lea Emery

Ms Johnson said she felt it was okay because she was outside and trying to get distance.

Most beach goers were the suggested distance apart but once they got into the water, the social distancing guidelines became lax.

Families also flocked to Harley Park in Labrador to have a swim in the lagoon.

Plenty of people still were using the lagoon at Harley Park, Labrador, despite the COVID-19 fears. Picture: Lea Emery

The boat ramp car park was packed and many jet skis and boats were spotted off the coast.

The car parks on The Spit were also packed, but few people were on the beaches – most out on the water.

The beach crowds come after Bondi Beach was closed after huge crowds headed to the ocean on Friday.

Gold Coast beaches are at this stage expected to remain open.

The Gold Coast is expected to hit a maximum of 30 degrees today.

Council CEO Dale Dickson has confirmed Gold Coast beaches will remain open for the time being but this will be subject to review.

Mayor Tom Tate urged locals to think carefully before going out.

“Gold Coasters are naturally warm and social people, welcoming millions of people to our city every year but at this time I have to back the Premier’s call for all of us to be more vigilant,” he said.

“Hygiene and social distancing needs to be front of mind for all of us right now. If you don’t need to go out – don’t. Call your grandparents instead of visiting them and I call on all employers to consider what they can do to accommodate working from home arrangements.

“It’s going to be a tough few months but we are all in this together and need to all follow some simple rules to avoid mass infection like has occurred in some parts of the world.”