News that Melbourne residents are being forced to wear masks when they leave home is shocking but not entirely unexpected.
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Despite what's happening in Melbourne, and in many parts of the world in fact, here in Dubbo there seems to be a definite reluctance to wear any face coverings in public.
While there may be a general reluctance to wear masks while undertaking everyday activities, it seems logical to think masks could soon become commonplace in public spaces where large groups of people meet.
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A recent trip to the zoo proved an eye-opening experience.
Proof of its popularity was evident with the place packed with people who had pre-booked to attend.
Zoo management must be applauded for introducing the stringent booking system however make no mistake there were still large numbers of people at the zoo.
The line-up for the golf-carts was extremely long, while queuing up to buy food took so long many gave-up waiting.
Of course a line-up is one of the most difficult places to enforce social distancing, with signs or stickers unable make much difference to congestion.
Many people just do not social distance when they are in these situations.
In truth the only way to enforce social distancing in a line-up is to have staff monitor the crowds but this requires a lot of extra staff. While places such as the zoo provide some hand-sanitiser stations, unless they are refilled constantly they will remain a source of frustration for those many of us trying to do the right thing.
It's hard to fathom how different venues, destinations and organisations have such varied rules and restrictions and how differently they all enforce these restrictions.
While there are job cuts and jobs placed on hiatus, there's no doubt many attractions need more people not less people, to ensure they are able to enforce social distancing regulations. If social distancing is not enforced then places like the zoo really will become a scary to visit.