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Coronavirus: World reacts with fury to Bondi Beach sunbathers as people ignore social distancing advice

The world has reacted with fury over large crowds spotted at Bondi Beach and other venues across NSW, despite strict advice to stay away.

Matt Young and Alle McMahon
3 min read
March 21, 2020 - 1:17PM
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The Australians and tourists who were spotted recklessly defying the government’s strict advice on social distancing and self-isolation prompted fury from locals and officials and has seen Bondi beach closed.

Hundreds made the most of the warm weather in Sydney on Thursday and Friday, flocking to Bondi beach in Sydney’s east, despite the Prime Minister banning gatherings of more than 500 people.

The beach will now be closed temporarily.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos this morning called on the public to observe health advice and consider staying at home.

“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,” she said.

“We all need to behave in a safe and responsible manner so that the spread of this virus can be slowed. No one is immune to COVID-19 and behaving irresponsibly puts the entire community at risk.”

International publications such as the UK’s The Metro described the scenes on Bondi Beach as “unbelievable” while readers labelled those responsible as “stupid”.

At least 877 cases of the new coronavirus have now been confirmed across Australia, and seven people have died.

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Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach despite the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sydney, Friday. Picture: John Fotiadis
Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach despite the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sydney, Friday. Picture: John Fotiadis
Picture: John Fotiadis
Picture: John Fotiadis

Photos emerged of sunbathers amid a packed Bondi Beach on Friday as the pandemic surged across the country.

“I am surprised by the number of people out,” one swimmer told CBS.

“I’ve just been out for a swim, and come out, get a bit of exercise, get outside and head home.

“I guess I’m more surprised by just the number of people who are just lazing around on the beach.

“The whole social distancing hasn’t really taken hold in Bondi just yet, I would say.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt slammed beachgoers and the local council Saturday for not meeting self-isolation measures.

“Around the country people are generally taking enormous strides but what happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” he said.

“Our message to local council is this is all of our responsibilities each of us as individuals, groups, families.

“Where something like this is occurring the local council must step in, that message is absolutely clear.”

Earlier on Friday, The Daily Telegraph spoke to one group of American backpackers who said they were unfazed by the virus because they were young and “unlikely” to be infected.

“We figure none of us have any symptoms, due to our age the virus is unlikely to get us, and we’re more likely to get it in New York City where there are double the amount of cases than the 300 in Australia,” Lauren Titone said, citing incorrect figures.

“I’m not nervous. I’m young. I feel my body can handle it.”

The sight has frightened locals, with one woman telling a community Facebook page: “I feel seriously disheartened and pretty scared right now as I just drove through Bondi Beach and saw that there is absolutely no isolation or social distancing happening”.

“Bondi is busier than ever, the beach is packed and the traffic is insane,” she said.

The Metro in the UK wrote: Sunbathers at Bondi Beach in Sydney, New South Wales looked like they didn’t have a care in the world as they frolicked in the sea yesterday,

To help curb the spread of the virus, the government has advised people to stay at least a metre and a half apart and imposed strict limits on indoor and mass gatherings. The border has been shut to nonresidents and those who arrive in Australia from overseas are also now required to quarantine themselves for 14 days.

But on Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was aware of some people continuing to flout the rules.

“We are hearing reports of some who are saying they're in self isolation and they're out and about,” he said.

“In many cases for the young and the healthy, it is true that the majority of cases, 8 out of 10 people only have a mild illness … but by you doing the right thing, you'll be saving the life of someone who is more vulnerable,” he said. “So do it for your fellow Australians.”

Chief medical officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, added: “This is your civic duty to your fellow Australians to stay home for that entire 14 days if you've come back to Australia, no exceptions”.

Everyone else should be distancing themselves “from every fellow Australian where possible”, he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to do their bit. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty Images
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to do their bit. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty Images
People flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday despite the threat of coronavirus. Picture: AAP/John Fotiadis
People flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday despite the threat of coronavirus. Picture: AAP/John Fotiadis
One US tourist said she wasn’t worried because she believed her body could handle it. Picture: AAP/John Fotiadis
One US tourist said she wasn’t worried because she believed her body could handle it. Picture: AAP/John Fotiadis

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Friday chastised those in Sydney who weren’t taking the coronavirus crisis seriously.

“There were reports yesterday that at Bondi there were thousands of people and many of them were not physically separated,” he said.

“The recommendation is at least 1.5 metres. By all means enjoy the beach, and enjoy being outdoors, but keep your separation.”

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-world-reacts-with-fury-to-bondi-beach-sunbathers-as-people-ignore-social-distancing-advice/news-story/b915a5a6a41cc5d448570b92601883a6