New York
The NSW Government has closed Bondi Beach after the number of people on the famous sands exceeded Australia’s outdoor-gathering limit imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier, Waverley mayor Paula Masselos had urged beachgoers to follow the guidelines about social distancing.
“I am frustrated that people continue to ignore health advice about social distancing as observed yesterday at Bondi Beach,” she said.
Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, with pictures of packed beaches going viral online.
Beachgoers were ignoring social distancing measures were harshly criticised on social media and by politicians, on the same day the government announced tighter social distancing measures.
Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that local councils needed to ensure people were observing health and safety measures.
“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” Hunt said.
Coronavirus latest totals
Confirmed cases 275,427
Deaths 11,397
Recovered 88,235
Australia now has 1023 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 436 in New South Wales, 229 in Victoria, 184 in Queensland, 50 in South Australia, 64 in Western Australia, 11 in Tasmania, nine in the Australian Capital Territory and three in the Northern Territory.
Seven people have died – one in Western Australia and six in New South Wales – and 43 have recovered.