Shire beaches closed for Easter long weekend due to coronavirus
The Shire’s beaches have been closed for the Easter long weekend as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. FIND OUT WHICH SUBURBS HAVE REPORTED CASES OF CORONAVIRUS.
St George Shire Standard
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The latest NSW Health data has revealed the Shire and St George’s coronavirus hotspots as numbers continue to rise across the state.
On Tuesday and Wednesday St George and Sutherland Shire regions recorded 12 new cases with three in Allawah, two in Brighton Le Sands and Menai, and one each in Arncliffe, Beverly Hills, Kirrawee, Ramsgate and Sans Souci.
Four of the top five hotspots for coronavirus infection were in the Sutherland Shire.
Cronulla and other suburbs within 2230 including Bundeena and Maianbar recorded by far the highest number of coronavirus cases with 24 in total on Wednesday.
Menai, Illawong and other suburbs within 2234 recorded 19, followed by 18 in Peakhurst, Riverwood and Lugarno.
There were 15 cases in Caringbah and in the 2232 postcode, which covers Kirrawee, Kareela, Sutherland and Loftus.
It comes as Sutherland Shire Council elects to close the Shire’s beaches, car parks and parts of the Esplanade over the Easter long weekend to discourage residents and visitors from congregating.
The beaches of Bate Bay – from Greenhills to Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla, Shelly Beach and Oak Park will be closed from midnight on Thursday until midnight on Monday at the strong recommendation of NSW Police, NSW Health and NSW Fire + Rescue.
Pedestrian access will also be restricted on the Esplanade between Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach.
Sutherland Shire Council mayor Carmelo Pesce said the decision had not been made lightly.
“We’re so grateful our community have continued to do the right thing, we know how much beaches mean to our residents and they’re a part of the fabric of our community,” Cr Pesce said.
“In this instance we’re acting on the very strong recommendation and request of authorities in order to keep our community as safe as possible.”
Cr Pesce also urged those who were outdoors over Easter to keep doing the right thing and abide by instructions from NSW Police and council staff.
“It brings us no joy to have to impose these extraordinary measures, but it’s important to remember they are there to keep you, your family, friends and the wider community safe as we continue to deal with the unprecedented and deadly threat of coronavirus.”
Kurnell had the best result of the entire region from Waterfall to Wolli Creek, recording just one case to date, followed by Jannali with only two.
Local councils are taking no chances as the virus continues to sweep through Sydney’s south and east, putting in restrictions to discourage residents from congregating outdoors and risking a public health orders breach.
Sutherland Shire Council has closed more than 150 playgrounds, six skate parks and six outdoor gyms to public use in line with government restrictions.
All Bayside Council beaches and beachfront car parks, including Brighton Le Sands and Lady Robinson Beach in Ramsgate, Kyeemagh and Sans Souci, are now closed to the public along with Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre in Bexley North and all senior citizen centres.
Georges River Council has also closed all playgrounds and aquatic centres, though Hurstville and Beverley Park Golf Clubs remain open subject to government directives.
ALL CORONAVIRUS CASES IN THE SHIRE AND ST GEORGE
Cronulla, 2230: 24
Menai, Bangor, Barden Ridge, 2234: 19
Peakhurst, Riverwood, Lugarno, 2210: 18
Caringbah, 2229: 15
Kirrawee, Sutherland, 2232: 15
Engadine, Heathcote, Waterfall, 2233: 14
Allawah, Carlton, 2218: 12
Rockdale, Brighton Le Sands, 2216: 11
Bexley, Bardwell Valley, 2207: 9
Ramsgate, Kogarah, 2217: 8
Hurstville, Hurstville Grove, 2220: 8
Arncliffe, Wolli Creek, 2205: 7
Sans Souci, Dolls Point, 2219: 7
Sylvania, Sylvania Waters, 2224: 6
Gymea, Gymea Bay, 2227: 6
Miranda, Yowie Bay, 2228: 5
Blakehurst, Kyle Bay, 2221: 3
Oatley, Mortdale, 2223: 3
Oyster Bay, Como, 2225: 3
Jannali, Bonnet Bay, 2226: 2
Kurnell, 2231: 1