Covid 19 coronavirus: did the lockdown end early on this Auckland beach? Crowds flock to Takapuna

It was impossible to tell today if the Level 3 lock was still in place on Auckland’s Takapuna Beach, as crowds of people frolicked on the sand in perfect weather.

Images from the North Shore beach today show hundreds of people strolling and lying on the beach in 18-degree weather, most without masks, as the Prime Minister has urged.

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Auckland Mayor Phil Goff also emphasized to Auckland locals that “we are not there yet” and level 2 means “stay local and stay home”.

Auckland residents are preparing to move to a modified level 2 version of the restrictions at midnight tomorrow, allowing people to freely travel around the city and recreate themselves as long as they socially move 2 meters away from others.

But even at level 2, it is recommended that people wear face masks in public places.

Despite the hundreds of people on Takapuna Beach today, police told the Herald that they have seen nothing out of the ordinary in terms of law enforcement activities involving people violating level 3 restrictions.

When showing the photos of Takapuna beach, the police communication team said that it was impossible to know if all the people on that beach today resided in the local area.

Devonport Takapuna Local Board Vice President George Wood said he sympathized with his local constituents who chose to enjoy the impeccable conditions.

“People are probably reaching their limits by having to suffer the lockdown for two more weeks, and today is a good day in Auckland,” Wood said.

“Whether they stay 2 meters away from other people is really the debatable issue.”

However, yesterday the Auckland Civil Defense issued a press release reminding residents that a police presence would be in effect this weekend to ensure they remain in the area.

“Over the past two weekends, there have been some areas in the Auckland region where people have ignored closure notices in public spaces and a lack of physical distancing has been observed,” said the district commander of the superintendent of Auckland City, Karyn Malthus.

“We will be patrolling sites like the Gray Lynn Pumping Track, Mission Bay Playground and Victoria Skate Park and will remind people that they remain closed at Alert Level 3.

“The vast majority of Aucklandites are doing the right thing, but for those who violate the Alert Level 3 restrictions, we will communicate with them what is expected of them.

“For any serious offense, the police have enforcement options available.”