Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has slammed beachgoers for not practicing social distancing as he called on local councils to enforce health and safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, with pictures of packed beaches going viral online.
Photos of beachgoers ignoring social distancing measures have been harshly criticised by foreign media and on social media as the world attempts to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
‘What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,’ he told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday.
Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that local councils needed to ensure people were observing health and safety measures
Thousands of Australians have ignored social distancing advice by hitting the waves at Bondi Beach
‘Our message to the local council is this is all of our responsibilities.
‘Each of us, as individuals, as families as groups as councils as state governments and as a national government, has responsibility.
‘Where something like this is occurring, the local council must step in and that message is absolutely clear.’
Sunbathers ignored 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines as they lay together on the sand and helped each other apply sunscreen.
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.’
Beachgoers play a game of volleyball on the sand as the government urges residents to exercise social distancing
A man and woman ignore social distancing guidelines as they embrace in the water at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
While residents can ‘by all means’ visit the beach, they must stick to the strict advice given by health authorities.
‘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.
‘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.’
A couple embrace at Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Friday as the temperature soars above 30C
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.
The refunds are part of a wider $1.7 billion economic stimulus package, designed in consultation with the national cabinet.
‘The most important thing for businesses right now is cash to save them and their workers. This is all about helping businesses stay open and keeping as many people in work as possible,’ Mr Andrews said.
It comes as Australia’s borders closed overnight, meaning only citizens will be allowed in the country.
New social distancing rules were announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, meaning fewer people can gather in restaurants, pubs and cafes.
‘It’s not about criticism, it’s an appeal for people to do their civic duty,’ Mr Andrews said.