Sydneysiders ignored strict social distancing rules as they lounged on the sand and soaked up the final days of the warm weather.
Locals flocked to Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach on Friday, with blatant disregard for the social distancing rules in place to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The government imposed strict rules which require all Australians keep a distance of 1.5metres away from each other and restrict groups to a maximum of two people.
Sydneysiders flocked to Bondi Beach and ignored social distancing rules during the coronavirus outbreak (Pictured: Girls laying on the sand)
Large crowds ignoring the 1.5metre social distancing rule were seen at Bondi Beach on Friday (Pictured: People splashing in the water)
Friends flocked to the beach on Friday to soak up the sun and breaking social distancing rules (Pictured: Sun seekers on the sand)
A group of five friends were defying social distancing rules at Bondi Beach on Friday
However, large crowds took to the beach as they lapped up the stunning weather and tanned on the sand.
Sunseekers seemed unaware of the pandemic causing widespread devastation across the globe as they carelessly frolicked in the waves and soaked up some rays.
Bondi has been labelled one of the hotspots for positive COVID-19 cases in the eastern suburbs.
Waverley, which includes Bondi, Bronte and Queens Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, leads all areas in New South Wales with 105 recorded cases of COVID-19.
The last few weeks have seen backpackers and locals ignore the self-isolation and social distancing rules.
The majority of positive coronavirus cases in the eastern suburbs are from backpackers who also continued to throw parties during the lockdown.
The beach and nearby parks were packed as groups of people huddled together without a care about the killer coronavirus outbreak.
Beachgoers defy social distancing rules on Friday at Bondi Beach during the coronavirus lockdown (Pictured: The busy water filled with families)
Locals flocked to Bondi Beach and completely ignored social distancing restrictions
The Australian government limited a two-people limit when going out (A trio walk to the beach)
Women tan on the rock beds with their dogs and ignore the social distancing rules
Similar scenes were seen on Saturday morning at Manly beach as couples, families and friends were seen breaking social-distancing rules.
One family told Daily Mail Australia that they wouldn’t let the global crisis that has killed more than 50,000 people interrupt their usual morning swim.
Reid Shaw, 13, said: ‘There’s no difference, it feels the same.’
His father, Chris Shaw, noted that ‘last week there were a few people here clumped in groups but I hope that people are starting to get the message about how serious this virus is now’.
Beachgoers at Manly today were pictured chatting in groups, ignoring the 1.5-metre distancing rule and sunbaking.
Some were even seeing standing around sipping coffees as they enjoyed their 22C morning at the beach.
Young women soak up the gorgeous weather on Friday despite rules in place to social distance and stay home
A couple tan at Bondi Beach and defy social distancing rules in place to slow the spread of coronavirus
Three women are seen hanging out despite there being a two-people restriction
On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for all foreign visitors and students to leave the country now amid fury at backpackers for failing to follow social distancing rules.
He said that while those with essential skills – such as visiting doctors and nurses – will be encouraged to stay, it was past time for everyone else to ‘make their way home’.
The NSW Government implemented further restrictions that only allow residents to leave their homes for one of 16 essential reasons.
These reasons include exercise, grocery shopping, seeking medical care and attending school or work.
One young woman out for a walk with her boyfriend said she felt at risk coming down to the beach.
Jana, 26, said: ‘It’s really busy down here, people definitely aren’t behaving any differently. I don’t like to walk down here because I feel like it’s too crowded.’
Locals in Manly were spotted flouting social distancing laws in front of the Life Saving Club on Saturday morning
Beachgoers ignored 1.5m social distancing rules and congregated in groups alongside Manly Beach on Saturday
Two friends who were strolling along the walkway told Daily Mail Australia that the lack of social distancing was an issue in Manly.
One woman, 33-year-old Kat, said: ‘The social distancing measures are not well understood here. Not may people are giving you space, especially all the runners jogging and brushing up against you.
‘There’s a bit of confusion around the restrictions and it’s not really clear if we should be going out or staying home.’
On being out and about herself, Kat said: ‘I don’t feel at risk. I feel most guilty that I could be putting someone else at risk.’
Her friend El, also 33, said that it was ‘hard to make the space among so many people’.
She noted that: ‘Being outside is the only thing keeping people sane at the moment, so I think it’s important to keep the beach open wherever they can.’
One woman wore a colourful neon bikini to Manly Beach as she headed for a solo swim in the water
Police, lifeguards and council rangers (pictured) approaches groups of people to enforce social distancing measures
Licien Batista, 34, on a walk with her baby and friend from Brazil, said that the social distancing measures should be more closely followed.
‘If everyone keeps their distance and follows the rules then we will be able to get over this virus quicker,’ she explained.
‘Some people aren’t following the rules and they might get us sent into a total lockdown. When it’s nice weather people come down to the beach and hang out in groups and stroll around or sit on the sand,’ Ms Batista said.
Other beach-goers felt that they were protected from the virus as long as they were cautious.
One couple pushed a pram along the walkway and said they were taking extra precautions.
Some Manly residents said that the social distancing laws had not impacted daily life by the beach
Jeremy Bennett, 36, said: ‘We’re just being really careful, staying away from people and making sure not to touch any railings or anything, we’ve brought hand sanitiser with us.’
His wife Sasha, 31, agreed: ‘We don’t feel at risk as long as there’s lots of space but sometimes the beaches can get really busy and clogged up.’
Two NSW police officers were patrolling the beach and asked anyone who was not exercising to return home.
Lifeguards and council rangers were also monitoring the group sizes.
Unlike Manly, the beaches in Sydney’s East were shut down over coronavirus fears.