Sunbathers have been slammed for showing 'total disrespect' and flouting lockdown rules after groups of people were pictured sunbathing in Sefton Park yesterday.
Speaking to the ECHO, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson called the scenes "an insult" to those who have died during the epidemic and reminded people to stay indoors.
Mayor Anderson said: "I think its an insult to those who have lost their lives to this virus and to the brave, hard-working NHS staff who are under immense pressure in our city's hospitals.
"It is a particular insult to the health workers that we have lost who were trying to keep others alive.
"Some of these people in the park will be out clapping the NHS tomorrow night, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they could be making their jobs even harder and putting them at more risk through their actions."
"Why is the car park full? Why are people heading to the park as a destination? Why are there groups of lads with bikes all lying together?"
Mayor Anderson's comments prompted strong responses on social media in response to the pictures showing members of the public sunbathing in Sefton Park.
Many people agreed with the Mayor and criticised individuals for seemingly flouting the government advice.
Sarah Eve said: "I couldn't agree more. It will take for them to lose somebody in their families for them to take notice.
"I don't have a garden but I am not sunbathing in a park, I am staying indoors. Total disrespect."
Peter Sheila Stott said: "We are in 24 hour lockdown in Dubai and only allowed out every three days for essentials.
"We have to apply for a permit to leave the house which is for three hours at most. Police are patrolling and checking all the time and fining people who break the rules."
Christine Wilson said: "Selfish! Me, me, me. They should all be made to go to a hospital ICU and see the people with coronavirus.
"It just might make them think again."
Jackie Thomas Stevenson wrote: "Can't believe people are condoning what these selfish people are doing.
So what if you live in a flat, you're allowed to go for walks and get fresh air, just don't disobey the lockdown rules.
"The rules are there for a reason. Thousands of people are dying and thousands more are critical.
The sooner everyone realises this and does what they're told, the sooner we can try to get back to some sort of normality."
Kaz Bleuett said: "The gates need closing. The more people that go out are at risk of getting the virus then putting more strain on the NHS which is putting staff and families at risk.
"Lockdown should mean lock down, and at the end of the day, people should just have more sense and think of others and not just themselves.
Gill Davies said: "And this is why numbers of covid patients in Merseyside is so high.
"Should make every one of them do an 8 hour shift in full PPE to see if that helps them decide to stay in."
However, not everyone agreed with Mayor Anderson's condemnations, saying that in certain circumstances sitting in the park is acceptable.
Jade Kirner said: "Surely it's the same as sunbathing in your garden?
"As long as you're socially distanced I don't see what the issue is."
Joanne Colette said: "Some people don't have gardens- imagine having a few kids stuck in a flat.
"They are the only people who should be in open spaces."
Karen Litter wrote: "I don't agree with it, but I can understand if they live in a flat with no garden."
