Australia’s Bondi Beach closed down after crowds defy ban on gatherings of more than 500 people
Authorities say lifeguards will now be directed to close any beach where headcount reaches more than 500
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Australian authorities closed Bondi beach and removed hundreds of people from other popular Sydney beaches on Saturday, citing the “irresponsible behaviour” of large crowds that had gathered in clear defiance of public health warnings.
Images of a packed Bondi on Friday – when temperatures in parts of Sydney exceeded 35C – were criticised internationally as governments in Australia announced stricter regulations to encourage social distancing and restrict the spread of the coronavirus.