Warnings to stay away from Sydney beaches as warm weather draws crowds

Public holiday crowds have spurred overcrowding fears as they flocked to Sydney beaches just as NSW marked 10 days with no locally transmitted COVID-19 cases.

NSW is set to further relax restrictions today.

NSW is set to further relax restrictions today. Source: SBS News

Local councils have been forced to close some Sydney beaches due to overcrowding fears as NSW extended its streak of no COVID-19 community transmission.

Revellers making the most of Monday's public holiday and warm weather packed Bondi Beach and other popular spots.

Cronulla beaches were being closed on Monday afternoon after reaching capacity, Surf Life Saving Sydney said.

"Please do not head down to the beach today," it said in a Facebook post.

Waverley Council earlier advised Bondi Beach was nearing capacity and access to the sand and water would soon be restricted to allow for social distancing.
"If people continue to come to Bondi Beach and crowds grow further, restricted access to the sand is likely to be implemented within the next hour," the council said. 

"If you haven't left for the beach yet, please rethink your trip and check on capacity later in the day." 

The council later said its beach numbers were "looking okay", despite being busy. 

"Whilst our beaches and our parks have been busy, most people have been doing the right thing and following the Public Health Orders," it said about 5pm. 



Mayor Paula Masselos said while Bondi Beach almost reached capacity, "thankfully people got our message of coming back another time".

"At no point did we need to restrict access to the sand," she said. 

Randwick City Council also said many of its beaches were approaching capacity.

For the tenth day in a row, NSW has recorded no new locally transmitted cases. Its only new case was a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday.
But health authorities are concerned that only 4789 people were tested on Sunday, compared with 8,305 in the previous 24 hours.

Ideally, at least 8,000 people should be tested in NSW each day, health authorities say.

NSW Health's Dr Stephen Corbett said it was vital anyone with even the mildest symptoms came forward for testing.

"If people don't come forward and get tested, we can't keep the pandemic at bay," he said on Monday.

"This is particularly important with school holidays and increased movement of people around the state."

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at https://sbs.com.au/coronavirus

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW,VictoriaQueenslandWestern AustraliaSouth AustraliaNorthern TerritoryACTTasmania


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Source: AAP, SBS


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