All northern beaches reopen after weekend coronavirus shutdown but are being closely monitored
Concerns about social distancing forced the closure of several crowded beaches and reserves on Sunday. They are all back open but being closely monitored.
Manly
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All beaches and reserves on the northern beaches were officially reopened this morning after officials closed some of them on Sunday after social distancing concerns.
Northern Beaches Council put up the “Beach Closed” signs at the southern end of Manly Beach as well as Freshwater Dee Why, Palm Beach, Long Reef and north and south Curl Curl in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The reserve behind Dee Why Beach was also closed due to the large number of people gathering in public areas.
This morning the council said the beaches and reserves were open again, but visitor numbers were being closely watched by police and lifeguards.
The Sunday beach closures came after people appeared to ignore warnings by NSW Health officials to exercise social distancing and not gather in large numbers.
Mayor Michael Regan said the closures were in line with the Federal Government’s social distancing rules to restrict outdoor gatherings of more than 500 and exercise 1.5m spaces between people.
“It seems a lot of people haven’t got the message that we need to change our behaviour,” Cr Regan said.
“We are trying to keep our public spaces open but we need the community to support us and follow the Federal Government rules, otherwise we have no choice but to act to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
“We will keep a close eye on the beaches and parks that remain open and will close other public areas if people don’t follow the rules.”
While the beaches have reopened the mayor reminded residents that popular social areas on East and West Esplanade at Manly will be strictly alcohol-free 24/7 until further notice. Police and council rangers will be patrolling these areas.
Liberal Cr Pat Daley said with the NSW Government’s announcement on Sunday that pubs, clubs and the licensed venues will shut from midday Monday, there were concerns that young people will gather in parks and at the beach to socialise.
“This was already starting to happen over the weekend in Manly,” Cr Daley said.
“We must continue to convey the message that it is not okay to do this.”
The reminder comes after the council moved last week to close its aquatic centres and most of its libraries. Theatres and museums are also closed.
All childcare centres, preschools, occasional care and family day care centres are open.
Cr Regan urged residents to help protect each other during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We are all in this together and every single person has a role to play. I ask everyone to consider the safety of themselves and others by avoiding public places especially ones they know will be busy, today and for the foreseeable future.”
“Our rangers will be working the police to help people understand the requirements.
“We are asking our community to co-operate for the health and safety of all.”
A NSW Police spokesman said the council can request police for assistance to help if people are not moving on.
The police also released a statement urging the community to remain vigilant and call Crimestoppers if they see others not complying with orders and directions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
For any inquiries related to COVID-19, please call the coronavirus Health National Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Please call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 if you require health information and advice.