• Several photos have gone viral online, showing how thousands of people crowded beaches in the United Kingdom.
• Netizens have lambasted the “irresponsible” beachgoers, some of whom have even brought their children and senior family members to the beaches.
• Authorities continue to remind the public about the importance of social distancing.

Amid government reminders to practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it appears that the message has fallen on deaf ears in the United Kingdom.

As evidenced by several photos that went viral on social media, thousands of people recently crowded beaches to get some sunshine – with some even traveling from hundreds of miles away.

A female beachgoer in Southend shared:

“I came from Leicester and I came here because there is the sea and I like to take the energy from it. I put up my perimeter. It’s very important to keep social distancing.”

The pictures, however, reveal that not every visitor had safety in mind as they flocked close to each other, disregarding any precautions. Netizens have since slammed the “irresponsible” act of many.

Meanwhile, Southend Councillor Martin Terry has warned they will likely “have to close the sea front” when things get too risky.

He remarked:

“It’s a massive challenge… If it becomes dangerous we will have to close the sea front but that would be a last resort. We are in uncharted waters.”

In a BBC feature, Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey has expressed worry about the situation, saying:

“We’re dealing with far more people heading to the coast, and with the beautiful weather we’re having that’s not surprising.

“What I do find surprising is a sense that lockdown has been lifted, we can do what we want and the coronavirus challenge has passed.

“I’m really concerned. That is simply not the case.”

Watch this video report: