PRESSURE to bring in more draconian measures to enforce social distancing is mounting amid chaotic scenes at supermarkets and other public spaces across Northern Ireland.
A senior GP warned "there was no social distancing whatsoever" after witnessing shoppers crammed against each other at the Antrim Road Tesco shop in Belfast.
Dr Paul Lougrey, chair of the North Belfast Federation of GPs, said: "People are putting lives at risk. If it was the anthrax bug and a white powder no one would go near it.
"Because people can't see it they don't realise how dangerous it is. People are going to die as a result of this."
Similar scenes were reported at supermarkets from Newtownabbey to Newry, Co Down, Forestside and Boucher Road in south Belfast over the weekend - despite many chains introducing measures to protect vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
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As the backlash grew, support was being voiced for "controlled shopping" along the lines of Italy where people have passes for shops and allocated times.
Economist Richard Ramsey said retailers and the Department of Health "need to get a serious grip of social distancing at their stores ASAP" after witnessing "massive queues at tills".
He called for limits to be put on numbers of vehicles entering car parks and an extension to Sunday opening hours with 1-6pm opening hours "too short to `bring down the peak' in demand".
While the closure of pubs and restaurants left city centres "virtual ghost towns", the numbers outside during the day has sparked fears official advice on avoiding large and small gatherings in public spaces is not being heeded.
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People living on the north coast say it is "jammed" with crowds ignoring warnings to stay at home, reporting packed beaches and car parks from people on day trips or staying in holiday homes and increasing pressure on food stores and pharmacies.
One resident insisted there was "no social distancing or staying away whatsoever and more and more turning up starting their holidays.
"They're running around the streets eating ice-cream and suppin' coffee from the cafes who are using the loophole selling takeaways."
Angry exchanges have broken out on social media between residents and tourists, with councils called on to safeguard ratepayers safety.
The pressure has seen the National Trust reverse its decision to let people into all its open spaces free of charge to exercise while social distancing.
"We've taken the decision to close our parks and gardens to restrict the spread of coronavirus," it announced in a statement.
"Our countryside and coastal locations remain open with parking charges waived, but we encourage people to stay local and observe social distancing."
In Bangor, Co Down, Alliance councillor Connie Egan criticised people carrying out fitness sessions together in the car park of a closed gym.
"People in Bangor getting on like this need to wise up. Stupid and reckless behaviour which will put the most vulnerable in our society at risk," she said.
