One of the thousands of people who went to Bournemouth beach yesterday (Thursday) said that because nobody he knows has had coronavirus, 'it doesn't really matter'.
An estimated half a million people took over the coast on the hottest day of the year so far and with social distancing impossible, it was declared a 'major incident'.
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But, speaking to BBC News, one sunbather said he wasn't bothered about social distancing, even though the beach was a 'bit hectic'.
He told the news outlet: "We're going to have a couple of drinks, enjoying the sun. It's the closest we're gonna get to a holiday this year, so got to enjoy it really."
His friend added: "We've had two [holidays] cancelled already."
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He continued: "I still don't know anyone that's even had it [Covid-19] so in my eyes, it doesn't really matter.
"But yeah, as long as everyone's safe, but it's getting a bit hectic down here now isn't it? It's probably going to cause a second wave, people are just doing what they want aren't they?"
A multi-agency emergency response has now been activated to co-ordinate resources across the area to tackle the issues amid the coronavirus crisis.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council Leader Vikki Slade said: "We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24-48 hours.
"The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe. We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response."
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A council statement added: "Services were left completely overstretched as visitors arrived in large volumes, resulting in widespread problems of illegal parking, excessive waste, anti-social behaviour, gridlock on roads and prohibited overnight camping."
BCP Council issued 558 parking enforcement fines - the highest on record - and responded to many reports of cars parking and causing an obstruction.
Roads in and out of the area were heavily congested into the early hours of this morning (Thursday 25 June).
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It was also claimed that crews received widespread abuse and intimidation as they attempted to empty overflowing bins on the seafront.
In the stretch between just the piers, eight tonnes of waste were collected yesterday on the second collection run of the day. This morning, a further 33 tonnes of waste were removed along the full stretch of coastline.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: UK News, Coronavirus