NSW Health has also issued the following statement regarding beach use:
27 December 2020
Councils all along the NSW coast, including Greater Sydney and Northern Beaches, should be aware that there are no Health Orders stopping beaches being open for swimming, exercise or recreation.
Surf lifesaving availability is for Councils to determine but it is considered usual arrangements should apply.
In the northern area of the Northern Beaches only 5 people from this zone may gather for exercise or recreation.
In the Southern zone of Northern Beaches, limits of ten people from this zone apply. Physical distancing of 1.5 m should be encouraged for non-household members. Limits apply in other areas and are on health web page.
For people outside the Northern Beaches, you should not enter the Northern Beaches unless you have a reasonable excuse. A reasonable excuse does not include exercise or recreation.
— ENDS
Manly Observer has requested clarification form the Department on what constitutes “recreation” given several reports of groups of more than two being moved on by police at Dee Why on 27 December. We are yet to receive a response.
Skate parks and outdoor gyms are set to open from 29 December after the Health Minister signed an exemption to the order this afternoon (28 December).
