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Coronavirus Australia live updates: Warning to Sydney beachgoers ahead of scorcher

Sydneysiders are in for a sunny weekend - but anyone planning to head to the beach has been urged to remain vigilant.  

With a warm weekend in store, Sydney residents planning to head to the city's most popular stretches of sand have been urged to remain vigilant. 

Beachgoers have been reminded to only gather in small groups and keep "towel-length" apart on the sand, with drones also being introduced at the Northern Beaches to ensure COVID-safe measures are maintained. 

"This partnership is a critical part of our summer COVID safety operations," Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Michael Regan, said.

"Our aim is to keep our popular beaches and parks open so locals and visitors alike can enjoy them to the full this summer."

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said the technology would also be used to assist lifesavers in risk management.

"Drones have become an indispensable tool in Surf Life Saving operations. In addition to providing important beach attendance information to councils and police who make beach access decisions, our UAVs are used for marine creature surveillance, search and rescue operations and spot beach hazards such as rips," he said.

"Nobody, least of all surf lifesavers, wants to close beaches, so the more information we can give about beach attendance, ahead of them arriving on the sand to find it nearing COVID-safe attendance limits, the better."

"Beach ambassadors" and council staff will also be patrolling the beaches and open spaces in Sydney's eastern suburbs, Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos told The Sydney Morning Herald

"Please remember to observe all current restrictions and follow instructions from lifeguards, beach ambassadors and rangers at all times," she said. 

Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he's keen to see the state get back to the way things were - but he's admitted one part of the city won't be coming back.

Speaking to reporters following the government's announcement of an Australian Institute of Infectious Disease, Mr Andrews said he hoped Victorians would be able to return to the office soon.

Follow our coronavirus blog for live updates below.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/coronavirus-australia-live-updates-sydney-restaurant-fined-10k-for-breach/live-coverage/bfbb75ffe903e438ade27355e8732ad2