‘We’re headed to 100,000 cases in two weeks’: Chief health officer issues chilling coronavirus warning as he slams ‘crap’ beachgoers who ignored social distancing at St Kilda
- Victoria’s famous beaches have closed after people defied social distancing
- People were seen flocking to St Kilda, Brighton and other popular beaches
- As a result beaches have been closed to mitigate spread of COVID-19
- Chief health officer branded the behaviour as ‘crap’
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Victoria’s famous beaches – from those on the Great Ocean Road in the west to Phillip Island in the east – have closed in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Surf Coast Shire was among about half a dozen councils to shut down its beaches after people flocked to Ocean Grove, Torquay and Point Addis, in defiance of stern warnings earlier issued by the premier.
People also congregated in groups at Brighton and St Kilda beaches, with the state’s chief health officer Brett Sutton branding the behaviour as ‘crap’.
After scores of beachgoers were seen across Victoria’s famous coastline beaches have been closed in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19
People were pictures bunched together at St Kilda beach (pictured), Brighton and other iconic Victorian beaches
‘Some of the behaviour today – when we’re asking people to stay home – has been really crap,’ he wrote in a tweet.
‘It’s hard to change habits and it’s hard to see dangers that aren’t apparent yet. But with 3,000 cases of COVID in Australia this week, we’re headed to 100,000 in 2-3 weeks without change.
‘That means thousands of deaths. Overwhelmed health services. Medical staff at unacceptable risk. Unstoppable spread. Do the right thing now and #StayAtHome. Today. Tomorrow. Until we’re through this, please.’
Premier Daniel Andrews on Saturday introduced on-the-spot fines for people who breach social distancing rules.
Individuals face fines of up to $1652 for gathering in groups and businesses could cop penalties of $9913.
The fines also apply to travellers found to be out-and-about within 14 days of returning from overseas.
Victoria Police said the ‘vast majority’ of people heeded warnings to remain at home, releasing drone footage of quiet inner-city beaches.
It comes after the total confirmed coronavirus cases in the state spiked by 111 to 685 on Saturday, the state’s biggest single-day jump during the pandemic.
Of the 685 cases across the state, 191 people have recovered and 21 are in hospital, including three in intensive care.
Those ill with coronavirus range from eight to 88 years old, with the majority of new cases consisting of people who have travelled overseas or been in close contact of others who have travelled overseas.
Victoria premier Daniel Andrews introduced on-the-spot fines on Saturday for people who breach social distancing rules