Here’s some more on the closure of Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, from Australian Associated Press.
The New South Wales government has temporarily closed Bondi Beach as authorities handed lifesavers unprecedented move-on powers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
NSW Police David Elliott announced the drastic measure on Saturday afternoon after photos of throngs of beachgoers flocking to the iconic Sydney strip drew swift condemnation.
Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, ignoring social distancing measures.
Pictures of big crowds were criticised by foreign media and on social media.
The decision comes as the number of coronavirus cases in NSW ballooned to 436 after 83 new cases were identified in the state.
“It’s a significant level of disappointment that we have to move today to not only remove people from Bondi Beach and it’s a significant opportunity to remind people that the Health Act must be complied with,” Mr Elliott said.
“What we saw this morning at Bondi Beach was the most irresponsible behaviour of individuals that we’ve seen so far.
“We cannot have an area where more than 500 people are gathered.”
Under regulations introduced to control the spread of the deadly virus, outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more have been banned.
As part of that, lifesavers will have the power to close beaches and ask people to move on if a crowd of 500 or more is gathered at the same spot.
The minister said that if the crowd does not comply, NSW Police will have the powers to make people leave.
“This is not something we’re doing because we’re the fun police, this is not something that the government is doing because we want to make life easy, this is about saving lives,” Mr Elliott said.
“Tomorrow in NSW we will probably crack 500 cases of coronavirus.
“If the community does not comply with the regulations and the health warnings, this is going to become the new norm.
“We are going to close down the type of activities we’ve grown to love.”
It came as Waverley mayor Paula Masselos on Saturday issued a public plea for people to stay away from Bondi amid the coronavirus pandemic and away from beaches.
“The public must at all times keep a minimum safe distance from each other in public places and if you don’t need to be out in public, please consider staying at home,” Mr Masselos said.
“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I am frustrated that people continue to ignore health advice about social distancing as observed yesterday at Bondi Beach.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt also hit out at people who flouted social distancing advice and risked spreading the virus.
“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” Mr Hunt said.
“Each of us as individuals, as families, as groups, as councils, as state governments, as a national government has responsibility.
“Where something like this is occurring the local council must step in and that message is absolutely clear.”
