'How sad': World reacts to 'insane' Father's Day photos
Border lockdowns have failed to stop families from reuniting on Father’s Day, with “crazy” images showing hundreds celebrating over plastic barriers which separate Queensland and New South Wales.
Many struggled to find a spot to set-up among all the camp chairs, picnic blankets and balloons strewn along the bright orange barricades between Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.
Police put compassion before compliance as they patrolled the border on foot and on trail bikes, handing out masks and encouraging people to remain socially distanced.
Despite this, many were seen posing maskless and in tight huddles with their loved-ones, as emotions boiled over with many having been apart for weeks.
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Inventive celebration slammed on social media
Footage from the large gathering has sparked outrage online, with some questioning the lack of masks and social distancing.
“These scenes make a mockery of the border control - safe distancing anyone?” posted one Twitter user.
“The cases will explode now,” predicted another.
While some were not impressed with the border controls being largely ignored, others slammed the tough border restrictions that were dividing families in the first place.
“Seeing family's embrace each other across the barriers just shows how ridiculous the decisions the Queensland government is making,” posted one Twitter user.
Others described the images as: “pure insanity” “absolutely ridiculous” and “completely crazy” with one person concluding “Australia has lost the plot”
Border barriers haven’t stopped these families from celebrating Father’s Day. Dozens of people are gathering at the Queensland-New South Wales border, the only way some can see their Dad. https://t.co/b3nAU20I54 #COVID19 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/XthqGpT5hu
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) September 5, 2021
Another said: “If anyone doesn’t see the lunacy in this they need to take some time out to reflect.”
As the images were seen around the world, Australia was labelled a “laughing stock”.
“Is this really happening in Australia today?” questioned one Twitter user.
Another said: “Nothing about this scene makes any sense. What happened to Australia?”
NSW/QLD border Father’s Day catch up. How sad….. hugging over plastic barricades and sharing meals. Australia is the worlds laughing stock right now. pic.twitter.com/L4LXHpmrPK
— Evelyn Rae (@_evelynrae) September 5, 2021
“What is this madness? they are literally allowed to meet up but they can’t go home? over a barrier?” posted another.
Another said: “NSW/QLD border Father’s Day catch up. How sad….. hugging over plastic barricades and sharing meals. Australia is the worlds laughing stock right now.”
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