Covid 19 coronavirus: People ignore restrictions, visit Mauao, playgrounds

Signs are urgently being made to remind parents that playgrounds remain off-limits during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Tauranga mayor and chairman of the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Tenby Powell said he had been made aware of multiple reports of parents taking their children to playgrounds, despite the city's playgrounds being closed as part of Covid-19 restrictions.

"It's really concerning. Residents are saying kids are playing in the equipment. The chance of a community breakout from playgrounds is actually very high," Powell said.

"I totally appreciate some parents will be going barmy with children locked inside but do not take your children to playgrounds."

It's really concerning. Residents are saying kids are playing in the equipment. The chance of a community breakout from playgrounds is actually very high.

Tenby Powell

The signs would be distributed around the city's playgrounds as soon as they could be, Powell said.

The playground reports come as others in Tauranga flouted the Covid-19 restrictions, put in place on Thursday as part of a New Zealand-wide alert level 4. Everyone, except for essential workers, are ordered to stay in self-isolation and not to drive anywhere unless
getting essential supplies. Playgrounds and public reserves such as Mauao are closed.

People have been ignoring the closure of public spaces such as Mauao despite the threat of Covid-19. Photo / Andrew Warner

At the base of Mauao yesterday , at least eight people were seen within 30 minutes accessing its tracks, ignoring a bright yellow sign stating the area was closed. Six people were on bikes while two were walking or running.

Meanwhile, police operating a checkpoint at the northern end of Tauranga Harbour Bridge, near Tauranga Bridge Marina, checked vehicles making their way from Mount Maunganui to the city.

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Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said officers were holding regular patrols throughout their communities "with a focus on reassurance and education".

Paxton said most people were following directions and isolating themselves and their families. However, "for those that we are stopping and speaking to who are unsure of the expectations, police are discussing with them their responsibilities".

Closed Tauranga playgrounds like this one in Memorial Park are still being used by families ignoring the Covid-19 restrictions. Photo / File

Paxton did not say how many people have been fined or warned, so far, since the lockdown rules began on Thursday.

He took the opportunity to remind people to stay local for exercise.

"In short if it's on your doorstep or close it's fine. If you have to drive any real distance it's not," Paxton said.

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"Stay apart - we don't want people congregating at parks, beaches or in public places, keep the 2-metre rule. Don't go swimming, fishing or surfing as those agencies normally tasked with your safety are themselves self-isolating."

When asked about concerns regarding the number of people at Mount Maunganui main beach on Thursday afternoon or those ignoring rules and climbing Mauao, Paxton replied with: "A walk along the beach is fine, but don't do anything that may require help if you end up getting into trouble."

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website