Calls for a ‘mass gathering’ of people in Swansea this weekend to defy the coronavirus lockdown have been condemned by the authorities.
Posters shared online have called for ‘the largest mass gathering since the lockdown’, at various locations across the UK this weekend, including Swansea and Cardiff.
In Swansea, the posters call for people to meet at Singleton Park and Swansea beach.
It is not clear if the posters are a hoax or a genuine planned protest against the coronavirus lockdown rules.
But it comes as the number of people who have died with coronavirus in Wales has increased by 22 to 1,154.
Public Health Wales (PHW) has also announced that 133 more people have tested positive for the virus to bring the overall total to 11,706.
Politicians and police have raised concerns over the calls for people to gather, fearing safety could be put at risk in the current coronavirus pandemic.
Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said: “This action, assuming it is genuine, is completely irresponsibile and a danger to public health and people’s lives, and the people organising it should be pursued by police, as ultimately if there is a gathering of people it is a breach of the law, and this is an incitement to break the law and threaten public health.
“I think they should be pursued vigorously now.
“People say it is about their freedom, but they do not have the freedom to hurt and harm other people, and their freedom to live as healthily as they can.
“I would urge anyone who sees it to condemn it and not to attend.
“If you have a large gathering of people then predictably there will be greater transmission and infection, and people’s lives will be at risk, and further pressure on the NHS.
“The situation is better in Wales because we have the two metre rule in law, rather than just advice, as in England where people are being told they can now travel around and being encouraged to go back to work, and we know that means people like bus drivers, taxi drivers, plant workers will be more at risk.
“The UK already has the highest death rate, apart from the US”.
The current lockdown guidance from the Welsh Government is that all gatherings of more than two people in public have been stopped, excluding people you live with, while parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.
A police spokesman added: "South Wales Police has always acknowledged the right to peaceful protest and regularly works with protest organisers to facilitate lawful and safe demonstrations which cause minimum disruption to the wider public.
“At the current time the overarching goal for all must be to stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives. We therefore urge anyone who wishes to protest to do so via online channels so as not to endanger themselves or others.
“South Wales Police believe the gathering to be a protest but have urged people to take protests online to avoid endangering lives."
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "The council and the police are aware and are investing the origins and validity of this flyer. It’s completely idiotic to distribute materials like this and suggest large gatherings during the pandemic lockdown.
"Large gatherings are not permitted and people should continue to observe the Welsh Government guidance. We have successfully avoided the first peak but breaking the rules now could undo all of the good work and lead to a greater number of deaths from the virus.
"Our message remains stay home, stay local, protect the NHS and save lives."
