A Texas resident who runs a personal Facebook page promoting a local beach posted photos over the weekend claiming beachgoers were not practicing social distancing and not wearing masks as required under Gov. Greg Abbott's order for allowing a relaxation on public accommodations.
Neesy Tomkins, told the San Antonio Express-News on Monday that photos she shared on social media show people near her home on Port Aransas on Saturday.
"It was a jungle out there," Tomkins told the newspaper. "No one paid attention to staying 6 feet away from others, and I only saw one person wearing a mask. I don't get it or understand it. If it's recommended, people should practice it."
The beach had been closed for four weeks, during which people could use it only for exercise. Tomkins said it was "peaceful" and "clean" during that time, but said after crowds appeared over the weekend, "There is trash everywhere."
"I get that people want to come out and enjoy the beach," she added, " but my concern is that it's (the COVID-19 cases) going to spike up again because people aren't paying attention to those small details that keep you safe."
Tomkins faced pushback on her Facebook page by people who said her photos were "fake" and posted photos of their own, purporting to show pictures taken of the same beach with far fewer people. Others, however, accused her of reporting on her fellow citizens.
As states begin to ease lockdown rules, clashes have erupted between those who feel people should remain more vigilant and those who feel the rules have been too strict.
In New York City, an ER doctor also posted on social media his criticism of people sunbathing over the weekend at what he thought was too-close proximity.
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