Hundreds flock to Bondi for Covid cool-off; Vic’s grim stats

OSTN Staff

Saturday’s total is the state’s highest daily figure of infections since the pandemic hit.Under the lockdown exit road map plan, released last week, a minor easing of restrictions was due to come into effect on Sunday if 80 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and older had received their first vaccine dose.It came a day after New South Wales recorded 1043 new Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths.POLICE BREAK UP BEACH CROWDS AT BONDIHundreds Sydneysiders hit Bondi Beach on Friday night to cool off after a warm Spring day. Masses of people were seen at Biddigal Reserve in North Bondi around 6pm, cracking open a bottle of wine or holding a stubby in hand, while others took a dip in the ocean or hit the bowl on their skateboards. Picnic blankets were strewn across the grassed area and filled with young people making the most of freedoms designed for those who are fully vaccinated.Up to five fully vaccinated adults who are from the same LGA, or within 5km of their home, can gather outdoors.Bins were overflowing with rubbish and empty bottles, masks were nowhere to be seen, and social distancing was a rare sight before the police arrived at about 7.30pm to break up the crowds and move them along.Despite people revelling in the festivities, many of them appeared to co-operate with police orders and left the park shortly after. Crowds were also dotted along Manly Beach where groups of friends gathered for similar outdoor fun involving food and drinks. Covid vaccination questionThe footage comes after the NSW government announced on Friday that alcohol bans would be temporarily removed at 18 of Sydney parks to reward those who met the criteria for a lockdown picnic. It is anticipated that Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy more freedoms, as outlined by the NSW government’s road map to freedom, in just a few weeks, when 70 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated. Got a news tip? Email weekendtele@news.com.auNAT – Stay Informed – Social Media

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