'You can't enjoy life if you're dead' - warning as posters promoting South Shields 'mass gathering' against coronavirus rules appear online
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The organisers of the "unified peaceful” event have invited people to “join the UK freedom movement and be part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.”
It adds: “We say no to the coronavirus bill, to the mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown” and suggests people should take along a picnic, listen to some music and “have some fun and say yes to life.”
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Hide AdThe outbreak so far has killed more than 33,600 people in hospitals in the UK, with 1,215 of those here in the North East, which has recorded the highest rates of infection.
Any vaccine would not be mandatory.
Councillor Angela Hamilton, who represents the Beacon and Bents ward on South Tyneside Council, said she was sure residents would stay away, with details of the party withheld to deter people.
She said had spoken out after people said they were scared by the risk or confused about whether it was allowed in the wake of the Government’s ‘Stay Alert’ message as it dropped the ‘Stay Home’ call.
Coun Hamilton told the Gazette: “You can’t enjoy life if you’re dead.
“I have had friends who have died and it is just awful.
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Hide Ad“I’m not saying stay at home all the time, get your exercise, make those trip you need to, but I think the message has to be stay safe and save lives, it’s so important – it’s too important.”
In a Facebook post, accompanied by a video filmed on the seafront ay 7am, she told followers: “Hundreds of people are still dying every day from coronavirus.
“This is not the time to be having a party. It is not the time to be protesting because you've had to stay at home for a few weeks.”
A council spokesperson added: “We would strongly discourage people from attending any public gathering of any kind.
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Hide Ad“Large social gatherings remain prohibited under the current modified legislation.
“This weekend the foreshore car parks and toilets will remain closed.
“Everyone should observe social distancing and follow the guidance which is there to help protect our communities from the spread of coronavirus and ultimately to save lives.”
The event is one of several planned across the country.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said it hoped people would keep to the rules, but warned officers would use legislation to protect communities.
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Hide AdThey added: “Large social gatherings are prohibited under the current legislation and to hear of such proposals is concerning.
“We would ask everyone to adhere to the regulations which are in place to help protect us all from the spread of coronavirus and ultimately to save lives.
“We are extremely grateful to the overwhelming majority of people who have so far adhered to the restrictions.
“We would ask everyone to continue to follow the modified regulations which came into force on Wednesday and not do anything which could put themselves, their family, friends and wider community at risk.”