New South Wales authorities have condemned a beach party that was held at Bronte Beach on Christmas Day, warning it could become a COVID-19 ‘super spreader’ event.
Police from the NSW Public Order and Riot Squad were called to help break up a large crowd at a nearby park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Friday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard described the gathering as “absolutely appalling” behaviour, saying the risk taken during the current COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is unacceptable.
“People in the Northern Beaches have been doing their part, big time, to keep not only themselves but the rest of Sydney safe,” he said.
“It is absolutely appalling to see what was clearly a group of people, a large gathering of people who didn’t give a damn about the rest of Sydney.
“Let me tell you, that event, I am hoping, will not become a super-spreader event. But there is every chance that it could be.”
It comes as NSW recorded nine new locally-acquired COVID-19 cases from almost 40,000 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday.
Health authorities said eight of the infections are directly linked to the Avalon cluster, six of which were household contacts of prior cases.
Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant said the ninth case, based in Bondi, may be a false positive and has no links to the now 116-strong Avalon cluster, the source of which remains unclear.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she is confident the strategy health officials have in place in the state is working.
“We know today the strategy we have in place is working and I want to really thank everybody for trying so hard and working so hard during what is often a time when we are all coming together,” she said on Saturday.
Mr Hazzard said earlier in the pandemic, the state “had some challenges with backpackers who clearly wanted to party in the eastern suburbs”.
“It cannot go on,” he said.
“If they were in Europe right now, most of them would be in lockdown and not even allowed outside the front door. The fact that you can go out is a privilege, and it should be respected in an appropriate way.”
Police confirmed to SBS News no fines were issued, but that one 25-year-old man was issued a court order for failing to move on.
Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said she was appalled by the behaviour.
“This kind of behaviour threatens to undo the good work of Council and the entire community,” Ms Masselos said in a statement.
“Please do not visit our public places if you refuse to observe Public Health Orders and current health advice – you pose too great a health risk.”
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 sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania
