Bondi Beach has been shut down in a desperate attempt to battle the coronavirus, as droves of careless sun-seekers ignored social distancing rules.
In an unprecedented move, officials closed the beach with immediate affect, after shocking pictures showed thousands of sunbathers ignoring health warnings.
Australia suffered a huge overnight spike in coronavirus cases, taking the national total to 931, prompting calls for people to do their bit to stop it spreading further.
But the spiralling health crisis was clearly of little concern to the beachgoers, with health minister Greg Hunt accusing them of ‘putting others at risk’.
‘What happened in Bondi was unacceptable, and the local council must take steps to stop that from occurring,’ Mr Hunt told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday.
‘This is all of our responsibility, each of us … I would say to everybody, we are all in this together.’
A group of mates at Bondi Beach on Friday (pictured) show their ignorance of the social distancing guidelines, which are designed to keep Australians safe
Many on Instagram couldn’t believe their eyes at the crowds that swamped the popular beach – as if there were no pandemic and no need to stay home
As hospitals begin to fill with coronavirus patients, Australia’s most famous beach was swamped with revellers this week as they flocked to enjoy the 30C temperatures.
Pictures of crowds soon emerged on Instagram showing a lack of concern for social distancing rules, with many of the young sun-worshippers making jokes about the virus.
The shocking images prompted criticism from across the world, with many incensed by the revellers lack of awareness about the virus.
On Saturday, the NSW government made the decision to shut the beach completely, following the national crowd rules – which effectively bans all outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more.
Sunbathers ignored 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines as they lay together on the sand and helped each other apply sunscreen.
More pictures of young people at Bondi Beach on Instagram from Friday. These young people appear to be 1m away from each other so they are sticking to the social distancing rules
A huge spike in coronavirus cases on Saturday saw the national total soar to 931, with seven deaths so far
The crowds were seemingly unfazed by the threat of coronavirus as they embraced on the shoreline, splashed in the waves and played beach volleyball.
New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the ‘thousands of people’ who gathered at Bondi should be following the 1.5 metre recommendation.
‘We are in a different time,’ he said on Friday.
‘We need to behave in different ways and that is to keep your distance. The recommendation is at least 1.5 metres. That is a sensible recommendation that people should sensibly take on board.’
While residents can ‘by all means’ visit the beach, they must stick to the strict advice given by health authorities.
A couple embrace at Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Friday as the temperature soars above 30C
A man and woman ignore social distancing guidelines as they embrace in the water at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
‘I would just say that it doesn’t matter where you are. Whether you are on Bondi or in a church, separate by 1.5 metres,’ Mr Hazzard said.
Government advice reads: ‘Social distancing is important because COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person.’
‘So, the more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.’
The crowds come as Australia prepares to lock its borders to non-residents at 9pm on Friday in a desperate attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Residents are encouraged to stay at home and avoid crowds to combat the outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases surge past 930.
Victoria Premier, Daniel Andrews, warned that unless infection rates drop, hospitals will soon become overwhelmed.
Beachgoers play a game of volleyball on the sand as the government urges residents to exercise social distancing
‘If you’re in any doubt of how serious this is, switch your TV on and see what’s happening in other parts of the world,’ he told reporters on Saturday.
‘People are dying. We are going to get to a dark place.’
Victoria recorded 51 new cases overnight, taking the state’s total to 229, while three more cases were confirmed in the ACT.
Mr Andrews announced a $550 million business relief package to help those struggling to stay afloat during the crisis.
A payroll tax refund will be made available to 24,000 businesses small and medium-sized businesses.
It is hoped the cash will help keep about 400,000 workers employed.