UK police promote social distancing by dying blue lagoon black

Police are doing what they can to promote social distancing.

There is a "stay at home" order in place across the UK as authorities battle to coronavirus crisis, but that hasn't stopped people from gathering around the stunning blue water at Harpur Hill Quarry.

Frustrated by the lack of social distancing, police employed a creative tactic to keep selfie-seekers at bay.

They poured black dye into the quarry in hopes the murky water would deter crowds.

"Yesterday we received reports that people were congregating at the ‘Blue Lagoon’ in Harpur Hill, Buxton," police said in a Wednesday Facebook post.

"With this in mind, we have attended the location this morning and used water dye to make the water look less appealing. This is a regular tactic that we use to reduce ASB and we work in partnership with HPBC and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. However, as things stand, it has never been so important to discourage these types of gatherings ... Please stay at home."

The quarry is full of toxic chemicals and has a pH level similar to bleach, so police routinely colour the water to discourage people from swimming there.

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Last week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is sending a letter to 30 million households across the UK, urging residents to stay home.

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