Beaches shut down to prevent spread of coronavirus in NSW
Police will forcibly remove crowds who ignore the coronavirus ban on large gatherings on the state’s beaches as the government cracks down to stop its spread. Randwick Council said it will close Cronulla, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly beaches on Sunday.
NSW
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A furious state government will send police to forcibly remove crowds from beaches and parks if they continue to ignore the ban on large gatherings.
And the federal government has warned it could lock down entire suburbs if people didn’t heed social distancing guidelines.
As NSW recorded its biggest daily jump of coronavirus cases to a total of 436 on Saturday, lifesavers and council rangers swept Bondi Beach clear of a crowd that spent the week sharing outdoor showers and public toilets in a festival-like atmosphere the government said was seriously jeopardising attempts to slow the spread of the virus.
The beach closures will apply to all sites where crowds of more than 500 gather, with councils and surf lifesavers to take down flags and move on beachgoers.
Randwick Council will shut Cronulla, Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly beaches on Sunday.
Should beachgoers not move on, the police will be called, Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said.
“In accordance with the Public Health Act, councils will be required to comply with not having any more than 500 people (in a site) at one time,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are relying on people to do the right thing. The decision today should be proof positive that we are serious.”
On Saturday, Waverley mayor Paula Masselos was forced to issue a public plea for people to stay indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic and away from beaches.
Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, with pictures of packed beaches going viral online drawing worldwide condemnation.
Photos of beachgoers ignoring social distancing measures have been harshly criticised by foreign media and on social media as the world attempts to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
“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,” Ms 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.”
An additional 83 cases of coronavirus were confirmed on Saturday.
The majority of people either contacted the virus overseas or were a contact of a known case.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he was disappointed some young people feel “this isn’t going to hurt me, so why worry”.
“The numbers we are seeing are showing a substantial increase. The problem is just over the horizon,” Mr Hazzard said.
“They’ve effectively almost doubled on a daily basis so save yourself and save your family by doing the right thing.”
As part of the federal government’s ramped up social distancing rules, indoor venues have been forced to implement a 4 sqm per patron rule.
The Government has sought advice on locking down suburbs or towns with high levels of coronavirus cases, potentially forcing people to stay in their homes and businesses to shut their doors.
Also, visitors are now banned from Lord Howe Island, while those returning to the mainland are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
In a separate move, Mr Hazzard will tomorrow begin “wartime” crisis briefings with the state opposition and crossbenchers giving MPs an opportunity to discuss the coronavirus situation.
By afternoon, Bondi was empty but UK visitor Max Plumell wasn’t happy.
“It’s not fair to shut the beach — if everyone’s in isolation it’s the one thing that we all actually have left.”
Lisa Clark from Bondi said the “whole ordeal” was an over-reaction.
“It’s excessive, we’re Australians, we go to the beach.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that local councils needed to ensure people were observing health and safety measures.
“Around the country, people are generally taking enormous strides on social distancing, it’s new, but it is absolutely important,” Mr Hunt said.
“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring.
“Our message to the local council is, this is all of our responsibility.
“Each of us as individuals, as families, as groups, as councils, as state governments and as the national government have responsibilities … There are local options that are available and if local authorities are not doing that, we will not hesitate, either through the states or through the commonwealth to make sure these provisions are enforced.”