A group of men have been slammed as ‘covidiots’ after being spotted having a barbecue, while others have been seen surfing, as people continue to flout the countrywide lockdown.
In a shocking image the group can be seen gathering closely around disposable barbecues in scenes which fly in the face of Government guidance on social isolation.
The get-together appears to have involved people in their late teens who were also spotted playing football in Clacton-on-Sea, in Essex.
In Devon, a GP and keen surfer has warned others who enjoy the sport to stay home after dozens have been spotted riding waves since the coronavirus outbreak.
A group of eight selfish and irresponsible men have been slammed after they were spotted enjoying a ‘coronavirus barbecue party’
A surfer wears a mask while out on the waves, despite government advice the country is in lockdown
Dr Finola ONeill, who practises in North Devon, said that although no-one loves the sport more than her, going out at the moment wasn’t responsible.
It comes after surfers posted images of them out and about enjoying catching waves.
But Dr ONeill said going to your local beach at the moment sent out the wrong message.
She said: ‘The problem is social cues and what message we send each other about what is ok. At the moment we should be on full lock down.
Dr Finola ONeill, who practises in North Devon, said that although no-one loves the sport more than her, going out at the moment wasn’t responsible
‘We are Italy in one or two weeks, London hospitals are full and we will be close behind, so unfortunately I think everyone should be indoors.
‘Theoretically, if there were just a couple of people in it would be alright. But it never is here.
‘They will be closer in the car parks, people will be out and this next week is our best chance to reduce the deluge coming.
‘Healthcare workers will be putting their lives at risk so unfortunately I do think everyone should stay home for the next one or two weeks until we can reassess.’
And she added: ‘We can put surfing on hold for a week or two. If we live through this we will have the rest of our lives to surf.’
The picture of the men playing football was taken by a dog walker who was left stunned at the behaviour of the revellers who arrived in two small white hatchback cars.
Another surfer posts in social media about taking part in the sport despite government advice
Groups of surfers enjoying the weather despite government advice that the country is on lockdown
‘When I first saw them I was really shocked as it wasn’t a small group of people. They’d obviously planned to meet up.
‘I just thought to myself it’s people like this who are putting our NHS under immense strain.
‘What if their loved ones became ill because of their actions?
‘I understand people are finding this crisis hard to come to terms with, but we must abide by what the Prime Minister has asked.’
The woman claimed police officers drove past the scene but did not take any action to stop the madness.
A surfer wearing a mask while enjoying the waves, despite a government imposed lockdown
‘When I saw the police drive off I was surprised and annoyed as this didn’t show the public that they are doing everything they can to help.
‘They drove around the road and then just drove off without even going near them,’ she added.
It comes amid criticism of the police, who have been accused of being ‘overzealous’ in enforcement of rules during the lockdown.
Today, officers in several parts of the country have shocked retailers by trying to stop them from selling they consider non-essential, including chocolate gifts, even though there is no official guidance from the Government.
People on social media have slammed the men for the BBQ and football party.
One Facebook user wrote: ‘There really are some idiots out there aren’t there?
‘It looks like some kind of coronavirus barbecue party. It’s selfish and irresponsible and makes me so angry.
‘We’re all meant to be in this together but the more this kind of lunacy happens, the longer this bloody mess goes on for.’
The jaw-dropping scenes unfolded at Holland Haven Country Park near Clacton at the weekend.
Essex Police have been approached for a comment.