By Social distancing ignored in Doncaster parks
Officers for South Yorkshire Police have received an influx of reports of people ignoring social distancing measures in Doncaster‘s parks.
This comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that people would now be permitted to participate in unlimited outdoor exercise, including visiting parks in order to sunbathe and have picnics.
However, it was stressed that those spending time with people from other households would still be expected to maintain the two meter social distancing rule.
It is still against the law for three or more people to gather in a public place if they are not from the same household.
And yet, among the numerous reports of people ignoring social distancing guidelines in Doncaster’s parks, it has been alleged that a large group of people have been seen apparently openly flouting social distancing rules.
Among the public accounts are Doncaster residents complaining of increased anti-social behaviour, and potentially dangerous activity:
“Maybe the rules don’t apply to the group of adults sat drinking on the benches in front of manor library yesterday evening. Less than 5 minutes walk from the police station…”
“I saw a group of 12 grown men all meeting in cars to unload their mountain bikes from a van to go riding around Goyt Valley. The rules seem to be optional.”
Others expressed concern over the new policy itself:
“I can’t get a life-sustaining regular injection from my GP surgery, without which I begin to suffer irreparable neural damage and multiple organ damage. But others can play golf and go down the garden centre or sunbathe in the park. Great work from the government.”
South Yorkshire Police say that their officers are conducting regular patrols of problem areas in order to disband such meetings. they have also said:
“Since lockdown measures have been slightly eased across England, people are now allowed to spend more time outdoors.
“However, restrictions do still apply to control the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.”
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