Coronavirus: Dozens seen running and swimming at Manly Beach
Dozens of people have been seen jogging, swimming and socialising at Manly Beach amid the recently-introduced social distancing guidelines.
Current health advice from the federal government advises people not to gather in large groups and stand 1.5 metres away from each other to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
However, photos sent to Nine.com.au show the sand crowded with surfers and swimmers, and one local said the area looked busier than a normal morning.
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People flouting social distancing requirements have been photographed at Manly Beach. 9News
8am at Manly on Friday morning. Nick Moir/Sydney Morning Herald
"There are way more people than usual, no one really respecting social distancing, older people sitting all together on benches very close to each other touching their faces, people running very close to other people and almost touching them when running past," the local said.
"Everyone's on holiday here."
Running is allowed under the current guidelines, as are outdoor gatherings of less than 500 people.
This week Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced strict social distancing rules, and shut down pubs, clubs, sporting and entertainment venues, and bars and restaurants.
Locals were seen walking and riding bikes. Nick Moir/Sydney Morning Herald
Manly people lined the northern beaches this morning. Nick Moir/Sydney Morning Herald
"We need all Australians to be following the health advice when it comes to keeping a healthy distance and observing the limits that relate to gatherings," Mr Morrison said on Tuesday night.
"Whether they be outdoor or whether they be indoor. This is incredibly important.
"The failure of our public to do that will put people at risk and make it extremely difficult for governments to be able to take actions that can control the flow and spread of this virus."
Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach despite the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sydney, Friday, March 20, 2020. AAP
A deserted Bondi Beach a few hours later. Steven Siewert/Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach was closed this week after thousands packed the famous sand on Friday, ignoring health advice about large public gatherings.
"It's a significant level of disappointment that we have to move today to ... remove people from Bondi Beach," Mr Elliott said.
"What we saw this morning at Bondi Beach was the most irresponsible behaviour of individuals that we've seen so far.
"We cannot have an area where more than 500 people are gathered."
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