'Arrest me?': Sunbathing backpacker mocks lockdown in viral rant
A Swedish backpacker who vented her frustration with Australia’s coronavirus lockdown, has been subjected to online abuse, with people telling her to “go back home”.
Linn Clark, a Swede riding out the coronavirus pandemic in Queensland, posted the rant to Tik Tok almost a week ago, filming herself looking around for police while on a Gold Coast beach.
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Ms Clark appeared to be exasperated by the restrictions imposed by the Queensland government.
“Okay, this is where we’re at right now in Australia,” Ms Clark said in the video.
“I need to have a look around me when I’m sunbathing so there’s no cops arresting me on the Gold Coast.
“Arrest me? For sun bathing? That’s f***ing...”
The video featured text which says “give me a fine 1200Auddollar” and was posted with a number of hashtags including #fineme. Fines of $1334 have been imposed by Queensland Police on individuals not abiding by social distancing rules.
Soon enough, Ms Clark’s social media was inundated with comments from people who did not appreciate her rant at the restrictions.
“If you cannot respect our country, our people or our rules, then you are not welcome here,” one person wrote on her Instagram.
“It really is that simple. By flouting our COVID19 restrictions, you are sending a very clear message that you do not care about us. Please catch the next flight back home.”
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One person even tagged Queensland Police in one of her posts.
Some assumed that she was challenging the police to fine her.
However, Ms Clark has since clarified her comments, saying she did not want to be arrested or fined by police - “it was not anything like that,” she told News.com.au.
“I went to the beach because I wanted to live my life as I usually do here in Gold Coast, so when Surfers closed I went to Burleigh and when it opened again I went back,” she said.
In a Tik Tok posted after the controversial rant, Ms Clark seemingly hit back at her critics, explaining she can’t go home because her “ticket was cancelled”.
Queensland start to ease restrictions
Several beaches on the Gold Coast were closed after hoards of people flocked to them to make the most of the sunshine, however many of the beaches have since reopened.
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“Congratulations Gold Coasters,” Mayor Tom Tate said in a press release, announcing the reopening of the last closed beach on Monday.
“You have been doing the right thing, practising social distancing and staying at home.”
However, not to everyone can enjoy Queensland’s beaches.
Over the weekend, Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk announced restrictions would be relaxed across the state from May 2, rewarding Queenslanders for “doing a great job of listening and following the directions”.
Although residents are now able to enjoy outings such as picnics, National Parks and visits to the beach, Queenslanders are only allowed to travel 50km from their home and must still social distance at those locations.
This was reiterated by Mayor Tate on Monday when he announced the reopening of the Spit on midnight on Tuesday and thee progressive reopenings of beachside car parks.
“If you do not live within 50km of our beaches,” Mayor Tate said.
“Please do not visit."
Queenslanders must still abide by social distancing measures, or Ms Palaszczuk said she will not hesitate to reintroduce the restrictions. Maintaining good hygiene is also integral.
Feeling worried or struggling to cope during the Coronavirus pandemic? Visit coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au or speak with trained counsellors on 1800 512 348.
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