Sunbathers crowd Alberta beach on pandemic summer day

An Alberta beach was packed with sunbathers this weekend, where it appeared physical distancing measures took a back seat to enjoying the sunny weather.

Twitter user Andie shared an image of the Sylvan Lake beach Saturday, saying the scene set off her anxiety.

“I felt like a Covidiot today,” she said, adding she doesn’t think she’ll return.

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The beach is near Red Deer, Alta., about halfway between Edmonton and Calgary. Others who were there on the weekend also voiced their concern.

Overcrowding at Sylvan Lake. No social distancing and no masks. Spikes daily in Alberta of 77 per day don’t seem to be of concern. pic.twitter.com/mblXEgeZRI

— Life Origami (@LifeOrigami) July 12, 2020

This is Sylvan Lake, Alberta Canada yesterday, July 11, 2020. During a pandemic! #SylvanLake #Covid_19 #NoSocialDistancing #noleadership #Canada pic.twitter.com/XaidxHk7PV

— Elaine (@Elainey0007) July 12, 2020

Alberta’s former premier Rachel Notley also weighed in, tweeting “this is so dangerous. You’re putting your life at risk. Please Albertans let’s work together to get rid of COVID-19.”

The Central Alberta medical officer of health, Dr. Digby Horne, told Daily Hive it’s important people continue to practice physical distancing to limit coronavirus spread.

Residents should avoid crowded areas where possible, and wear a mask if they do find themselves in a crowd, he added.

“If you find yourself at a pubic location where it is hard to maintain physical distancing, be sure you are wearing a mask, or remove yourself from the situation,” he said.