Picture sparks concerns over social distancing in Doncaster park

The picture was sent to the Free Press by a concerned reader, who saw a group of nine people had gathered close together in Hexthorpe Park.

In the photograph, a man appears to be confronting the gathering.

The Balby resident who took the picture said: “I was in Hexthorpe Park having my daily exercise, when I came across this group of people, plainly not adhering to government guidelines.

“I was absolutely livid as I lost a friend to Covid 19, only the day before. I am sending you the photo as I think people need to be reminded. It’s interesting that they are all young people.”

Government rules state people can sit and rest outside in public places alone, with members of their household, or with one other person from outside their household while keeping two metres apart.

They also ban public gatherings of more than two people, unless they live in the same household or it is essential for work purposes.

It means the gathering at the park would be illegal unless they live together.

After Government rule changes earlier this month, South Yorkshire Police chief constable, Stephen Watson, said: “There are more permitted reasons for you to leave your house, but you are still advised to socially distance from anyone who is not a member of your household.

"Your officers share your aims for a return to normality, they too wish to visit loved ones safe in the knowledge that this can cause no harm but we are not there yet. Adherence to these restrictions will help us to get there, so I urge you to continue to work with us to save lives.

"No police officer joins the job with the aim to restrict the liberty of the law abiding but we do join to help save lives. This is our small but essential role in this battle against the virus.

"Whilst we are only having to take formal action in respect of a very small and irresponsible minority, the fines for those who choose not to adhere are increasing.”

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