Coronavirus Australia: Sydney and Melbourne city centres deserted
The premiers of Australia’s two most virus-hit states are “deeply, deeply” thankful that the city streets have fallen silent.
Despite scenes of police swooping on busy beaches, parks and backpacker parties, there is one part of town that’s been well and truly deserted – the CBD.
“All Australians are required to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to go outside,” the federal health department states.
In Sydney and Melbourne, where even stricter social distancing measures were legislated this week, the city streets are empty.
There are only five reasons people can leave home in Victoria, and 16 “reasonable excuses” for those in NSW.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said “in the main, everybody has responded favourably”.
“And we deeply, deeply appreciate it,” she told reporters.
“We know this is a really frustrating time for our citizens, but we also appreciate we are all doing this to keep each other safe and especially to keep those most vulnerable safe.”
Tough new measures to stop the spread of the virus. Gatherings of only two allowed, unless your immediate household. You should only leave your home for work or education, shopping for essentials, medical needs or exercise. For more info: https://t.co/mtuYoPLEIv or call 13 77 88. pic.twitter.com/JHhuqPmkNt
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) March 31, 2020
NSW has so far recorded 2182 coronavirus cases and nine of the country’s 20 deaths since March 1.
The usually bustling areas of Pitt Street Mall in the CBD and the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point appear abandoned after multiple retailers closed their doors, cafes and restaurants were limited to takeaway and home delivery only and concerts were banned.
Bondi Beach closed after thousands of people flouted social distancing guidelines and packed onto the sand, with gates since appearing around other beaches and ocean pools.
Similar scenes played out in Melbourne when sun-seekers flocked to St Kilda Beach, prompting its closure.
Victoria has also adopted the decision of National Cabinet to limit gatherings to no more than two people.
“Considering these new restrictions, it is important to reiterate that while Fed Square remains a thoroughfare, we are closed as a venue and we encourage anyone who can stay at home to stay at home,” a March 30 update from Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD states.
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On Wednesday morning, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked every person “doing the right thing”, therefore helping to flatten the curve of cases and ease pressure on the health system.
“I am deeply, deeply grateful to everybody who is staying home, using common sense and not just thinking about themselves and their family, but thinking about the broader Victorian community,” he said.
“That’s something that makes me very proud and I’m pleased to report that the social distancing measures, the different rules that we’ve put in place, stages one, two and three, really are changing the way the city and state works.
“You can see it. In terms of public spaces, you can see it. On public transport, the road network, it is having a difference.”
Victoria has reported 968 cases, the second highest figure across the country, and four elderly men have died.
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