Angry parents have ripped down check-in QR codes in a playground which were part of a plan to minimise Covid cases
The QR codes in Melbourne, Australia were put up the week before in 61 playgrounds across Victoria.
It comes after the Premier of Victoria, Dan Andrews, decided to introduce QR check in codes in order to curb the Delta variant.
He had previously introduced a curfew and forbidden children from playing in playgrounds over fears of transmission between parents, but he quickly overturned the ban following criticism.
Currently only children under 12 can visit a playground with just one parent, guardian or carer.
Signs were destroyed in a number of parks and Bayside City Council warned that those responsible are "putting the safety of residents at risk".
The council said "We were asked to close the picnic area by the VIC Health Department a few weeks ago but unfortunately, residents have since been removing the tape and gathering there."
"We are encouraging parents to report missing and vandalised signage at your local playground and anyone who witnesses any incidents of vandalism.
"We were so happy when Bayside’s 61 playgrounds were able to get back in action in line with the slight easing of restrictions by the Victorian Government last week.
"We do not want the mindless actions of a few to spoil the safe enjoyment of everyone and encourage residents to monitor these important public safety signs."
Some locals were outraged by the actions of the vandals.
One said: "It could not be used then the next day the sign was smashed and thrown away in the bush, it’s the second time in weeks. Just senseless behaviour."
"They will be 1st to whinge when the playgrounds have to be closed again though, thus the intelligence levels of people who do these types of things" said another angry Facebook user.
However, some thought that the QR codes were unnecessary.
"As data has confirmed not a single transmission outdoors has occurred nor has it ever at a playground. Might be wise to not go over the top with the wording of this post to the public, there's enough uneducated people on here to actually believe you", one person said.
The council responded: "We installed QR codes and new Covid Safe signage to allow safe play to resume in all our playgrounds."
It comes as Australia has locked down Sydney and Melbourne, its largest cities, after outbreaks from the highly infectious Delta variant in June ended months of little or no community transmission.
