Bondi beach reopens for swimming and surfing, other NSW beaches remain closed
Bondi Beach has reopened for swimming and surfing but the beach itself will remain closed given the area boasts the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Australia.
Waverley Council mayor Paula Masselos says the waters at Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches can only be used "for the sole purpose of exercising".
People will be able to surf or swim between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, with access to the water via designated entry and exit points.
David Wesson poses for a photo as Bondi Beach reopens for exercise to the public after closing following an outbreak of coronavirus (Joel Carrett). AAP
There are restrictions about when and how Bondi Beach can be used (Mark Kolbe). Getty
The mayor said the "swim and go" and "surf and go" measures were strictly for Waverley residents exercising locally and people shouldn't drive to the beaches from further afield.
Photos show locals returning to the sand and surf after the iconic beach was shut down due to overcrowding.
All of Randwick City Council's beaches have reopened today without any time restrictions while those in Dee Why, Freshwater and Manly, under the Northern Beaches Council, remain closed.
Swimmers in the water at the north end of Bondi (Mark Kolbe). Getty
A sign at Bondi Beach (Mark Kolbe). Getty
A Northern Beaches Council spokesman told AAP yesterday the restrictions would be reviewed today in accordance with NSW Health recommendations.
NSW recorded its lowest daily rise in more than seven weeks yesterday, with only two confirmed cases, taking the total to 3004.
There are currently 160 COVID-19 cases being treated in NSW, including 19 people in intensive care, 15 of whom require ventilators. The state's death toll remains at 36.
Surfers returning to the water at Bondi this morning (Joel Carrett). AAP
A swimmer leaves the water through the designated pathway (Joel Carrett). AAP
The NSW government announced it would tip an additional $30 million into the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme, which provides energy bill support to struggling NSW households.
The funding is part of a $100 million package, including $34 million for homelessness, $10 million for charity programs and $6 million for Lifeline.
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